Working from home has been normalised since the pandemic began, but with offices slowly reopening and hybrid working being put into practice, this is the prime time for companies to ensure their offices are the perfect working space. But what can businesses do to help both remote workers and those that are coming back to the office?
All work spaces, regardless of where they are situated, should provide the correct ergonomic comforts to ensure we work at our best. Ergonomics is how people work in an environment and revolves around designing and arranging workplaces so they are fit for use and optimise work performance. There are three main areas of ergonomics; physical, cognitive, and organisational. Small Business Prices has shared their 5 top tips on how to revamp your businesses working space to ensure that they aid your colleagues' performance.
Invest in the best
Physical ergonomics looks into how the body physically reacts to the work space, including injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, and tendons. The most prevalent work-related injuries are musculoskeletal disorders, due to many workers being sat slumped over a laptop whilst working - which is especially more prevalent since working from home. But sitting down all day isn’t healthy for your mind or your body. A sedentary lifestyle has not only been dubbed ‘the new smoking’ in research but is also proven to increase our chances of depression and various cancers.
Preventing and treating work-related disorders can be done through investing in quality equipment. Making sure your employees have chairs and desks that aid good posture and have adjustable features, will not only enhance their productivity and overall health but also make them happier when working.
Bring everyone together
Cognitive ergonomics are just as important as physical ones, they involve any mental processes that can impact our work. Companies can aid an employees' cognitive ergonomics by investing in softwares and systems that will simplify tasks where possible, reduce unnecessary work and streamline communication between colleagues. These investments will increase motivation, team morale, and the amount of work that is completed. Research has proven that investing in collaboration tools pays off in the long run - employee productivity scales up by 30%.
Be flexible
The recent years have shown that employers need to be flexible when it comes to work, whether this be where you encourage employees to work from, or the times they start and finish their day. According to Suzanne M. Johnson there are four types of workers. So by providing a variety of working options, from flexible hours and WFH opportunities, to different furniture options, you will tap into what each individual requires in order to perform their best. This will also promote a better work relationship for your employees as they will feel listened to and understood.
Organisation is key
Organisational ergonomics can allow your employees to complete their tasks to both a high standard and in accordance with set deadlines. It is important that you provide your team with the best tools to do this with, and help them in any way to prioritise their workload.
Communication is a crucial way for both small and big enterprises to do this. Research has shown that 99.1% of workers want to be part of a business that nourishes communication, showing how it is key in order to make your employees feel valued and listened to.
Get away from the desk
One third of a person’s life is spent working, this equates to a huge 90,000 hours in total. So SME’s should encourage their team to step away from their work during break times, and take regular breaks throughout their working day. This will increase productivity, creativity and provide a better work- life balance.
Every business operates differently, however every employee has similar wants and needs from their workplace. It is important to tap into what your team values and expects from your business to ensure that they are happy, healthy and enjoy coming to work - wherever that may be!
