If you’re like many of our patients, you may think your office set up at work is what you’re stuck with. After all, it’s not uncommon to start a new job, get assigned an uncomfortable desk and chair, and just leave it at that. There are many reasons for this: you may be busy, perhaps you don’t want to rock the boat, or you may not be aware of the options available to you.
However, remaining in the wrong workstation setup over time can have long-lasting, significant consequences on your health. You’re likely straining muscles and causing long-term damage that can have enormous impact on your daily activities and quality of life. For example, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendinitis are just a few issues that can develop over time due to poor body positioning.
What Is Workplace Ergonomics?
Workplace ergonomics is a blanket term that refers to designing your work space to your needs. Work spaces are never a one-size-fits all scenario. We all have unique body shapes—what works for one worker will probably be a terrible fit for another worker. Workplace ergonomics captures where you work—and how you work—in every sense, from evaluating the repetitive tasks that take up your day, checking your setup from chair height to keyboard type, and providing information on how you can avoid pain and injury.
What Happens In A Workplace Ergonomics Assessment
A workplace assessment typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour. The assessments are typically provided by the company, meaning, they are coordinating assessments with an outside, trained resource, such as Spooner.
For the first thirty minutes of the assessment, you’re the therapist will observe you. They’ll watch you work and take note of your posture, your repetitive tasks, the demands on your body while you work. Next, they’ll make recommendations for adjusting your current equipment or they may suggest ordering new equipment, such as a new keyboard or chair.
Workplace ergonomics therapists can also provide practical tips. They may give you stretch exercises to do throughout your work day, or suggest ways to rest your eyes if you’re in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time.
Everyone Benefits
Workplace ergonomics matters because employee happiness matters. Treating employees with care can go a long way when it comes to boosting retention rates and driving morale. Businesses should consider these facts:
· More than 40% of injuries at work are categorized as sprains and strains. These types of injuries take a long time to develop—and can take quite a long time to heal. How would injuries like these impact your best workers?
· Ergonomics make employees feel appreciated. When businesses take the time to assess an employee’s work environment and make it safe and comfortable, it tells the employee that they matter.
· Comfort drives productivity. Not only are employees more comfortable, the equipment is positioned perfectly for maximum productivity.
Healthier employees mean happier employees. And happier employees get work done and remain loyal to the company. Everyone wins.
Learn more about Work Injury Rehabilitation at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Click Here to schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.