Workspace Wellness
The Connection Between Workplace Wellness and Work Performance
A work-place wellness program incorporating ergonomic best practices in any work environment helps improve employee morale and productivity. When employees who are less fatigued and are able to work without discomfort they are more productive, more alert and happier overall.
FACT: Happy employees tend to be more loyal to their companies. A recent study by economists at the University of Warwick found that happiness led to a 12 percent spike in productivity, while unhappy workers proved 10 percent less productive.*
The Downside of Poor Workplace Wellness
What Office Managers Can Do
Most office managers are prepared to address an office wellness problem that a member of their staff brings to their office door, such as carpal tunnel and neck strain due to working long hours at a computer. However, many employees may not even identify their wellness problem as related to their job, suffering through aches and eye strain on a daily basis, not realizing it is connected to their computer work. These ailments only lead to poor productivity, which affects the overall performance of the department. To maintain high standards of office productivity, an office manager may have to be a detective, identifying well-being and comfort problem areas among associates in the department, even though employees have not complained about these issues. The office manager can then provide a well-being solution.
Looking Out For Well-Being Red Flags
Do a walk through the office and keep your eyes open for clear signs of fatigue, strain and discomfort among staff, then suggest these accessories and techniques commonly provided by professional ergonomists.
Wellness Red Flag: Lower Back Strain:
Solution
- Suggest chair adjustments so employee’s thighs are parallel to the floor
- Feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest
- Knees should not touch the seat pan
- Fit the employee’s chair with a backrest that provides lumbar support
- Provide the employee with a footrest to relieve “pull” on the lower back
Wellness Red Flag: Wrist Strain
Solution:
- Keep mouse as close to the keyboard as possible to prevent over-reach and wrist strain
- Use palm support to help eliminate risk factors contact stress and wrist extension
- Keep hand, wrist, and forearm straight
- Keep hand position level with or below elbow position
Wellness Red Flag: Eye Strain
Solution:
- Suggest employee sit approximately 20″ to 35″ from the monitor.
- Position the top of the monitor screen at, or slightly below eye level using a monitor stand.
- Use a glare filter to reduce glare, brightness and reflection
Wellness Red Flag: Neck and Shoulder Strain
Solution:
- The employee should have neck and shoulders in a relaxed position and elbows close to the body
- Position keyboard and mouse closer and lower to their body
- The keyboard should be flat or tilted away from the body at a negative slope
- Keep forearms approximately parallel to the floor with elbows at a 90-110 degree angle
SOURCE:
* Revesencio, Jonha. Why Happy Employees Are 12% More Productive, Fast Company Magazine.
** Ergonomics: The Study of Work. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.