Australian office workers are spending more than six hours each day seated in their office chair. Yet more often than not, when buying office equipment, priority is not given to the benefits of well designed, ergonomic furniture.
What is Ergonomics and Why is it Important?
Ergonomics is the relationship between people and their environment. Ergonomic furniture is designed to maximise productivity and reduce user discomfort and fatigue.
Ignoring the ergonomics of a product can lead to back strain, leg pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica, along with other uncomfortable aches. However, investing in the right equipment can increase employee comfort and wellbeing. It will also potentially reduce the number of absences due to pain and injury.
Choosing ergonomically designed office equipment is unlikely to fix an existing injury, and it’s not a guarantee that any future injury will be prevented. However, ergonomic office equipment can help to reduce the pain associated with an existing injury, or reduce the risk of a developing a new one.
Let’s consider some office essentials, and what to look for in ergonomically designed furniture.
Almost all office chairs are adjustable. The ideal chair should at least offer adjustable:
- Seat height and angle
- Back height, angle and tension
- Armrest height (if relevant)
- Lumbar support that contours and supports the curve of the lower back
Another option is to move away from standard office chairs, and toward ergonomically innovative products like the Swopper Classic. This ‘active sitting’ chair was designed to help people with back and spinal problems, as well as addressing some of the issues associated with sitting for long periods of time.
Experts recommend sit/stand desks and workstations because sitting for extended periods has been linked to weight gain, poor muscle tone and posture and increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that occur together and increase the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease). Look for a sit/stand desk that:
- Can be custom ordered to suit your needs (eg: wheelchair accessibility)
- Provides a range of work surface heights
- Offers either manual or electric mechanisms
Consider adding a durable, anti-fatigue floor mat that can be used with a sit/stand desk. Not only will it help your chair to move freely when seated, it will encourage subtle movement when standing to prevent fatigue.
COS is your one-stop-shop for ergonomic office furniture. Check out the range today, and remember that COS’ friendly customer support staff are on hand to answer any questions – just give them a call on 1300 88 22 44.
Without a doubt, ergonomic office equipment is a worthwhile investment. By focusing on the ergonomic benefits of your office products, you are improving the health and wellbeing of your staff, and that can only be a good thing for your business.
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