Technology to Improve Posture, Ergonomics, and Productivity in the Workplace 

The Technology to Improve Posture, Ergonomics, and Productivity in the Workplace 

Do you ever get an aching neck from looking down at your laptops or monitors? How about eye strain? Hand cramping? These are all common signs of poor posture and ergonomics in the workplace. It is essential that UK Businesses follow Government Health and Safety guidelines for the ergonomics of employees, the integration of proper posture and ergonomic principles is the cornerstone for ensuring a healthy, efficient, and dynamic workforce.

With a sizeable portion of the workforce sitting for 8+ hours a day, the emphasis on ergonomics is essential to mitigate health risks associated with poor workplace habits and environments. There is a wide range of considerations under the umbrella of ergonomics in the workplace, some of which are easy to solve, some of which involve education, and others which require a more in-depth approach and understanding to ensure that employees not only have better posture but, through these solutions, are more productive because of it. 

Let us look at the statistics.
Ergonomics, or the study of people's efficiency in their work environment, has become a focal point for businesses aiming to enhance employee well-being and productivity. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK reveals that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) account for 41% of all work-related ill health, with 480,000 workers suffering from new or long-standing conditions in 2019/20 alone. It is estimated that the global costs associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders is around $180.7 Billion based on a 2023 study. Therefore, it is essential that businesses ensure that they have measures, solutions, and strategies in place to mitigate these costs and improve employee health. 

Using Hardware for Ergonomic Advantages
Multiple Monitors on Adjustable Arms: Incorporating multiple monitors is a prime example of how hardware can not only enhance productivity but also enhance ergonomics. At any given time, the average user will likely have a minimum of 3-4 applications open, for example; Outlook, Teams, Bowser & Other software for their role. However, it is likely that users could have many more applications open or things that they need to view. 

For example, our own marketing Team may be using; Outlook, Teams, Multiple Social Platforms, Website Monitoring/Stats, Adobe Creative Suite Applications, Calendars, video creation software and more. Necessitating the need for not only 2 monitors but 3 or more.

This reduces fatigue from switching between multiple applications, and repetitive strain and increases productivity as users have all the information that they need in front of them.

Adjustable Monitor Heights: Adjustable Monitor heights, through monitor stands or mounting arms, allow employees to adjust screens to an optimal height and angle, reducing the necessity for awkward neck and head positions. Such adjustments are crucial in preventing neck and shoulder strain, which the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) suggests can be significantly mitigated through ergonomic interventions.

It is recommended that users' monitors should be positioned at least arm's length away from them, necessitating the need for a curved layout to reduce on neck strain, and it is recommended that the top of a user's monitor is positioned at or slightly below eye level. However, it is important to note that all of this is dependent on the users' individual needs, screen size and the tasks they perform. Adjustments should be made to ensure maximum comfort during long use of Display Screen Equipment.

Ergonomic Chairs and Sit-Stand Desks: The role of adjustable chairs and desks in promoting good posture is not to be overstated. Studies have shown that alternating between sitting and standing can reduce back pain by up to 54% among workers. Ergonomically designed chairs that support the spine's natural curvature and promote a proper seated position which does not force the user to extend their ankles are recommended to reduce common workplace pains. Additionally, desks that accommodate standing work postures play a pivotal role in this dynamic, they promote being more active, increasing blood flow and have been proven to help reduce back pain and improve Mood, Energy and Productivity. 

Keyboards and Mice Designed for Comfort: Ergonomic keyboards and mice reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and wrist pain, both common issues for computer-based workers. Using Keyboards and mice designed to improve ergonomics reduces the risk of inflammation in various joints, prevents strain, from stretching and reduces worker fatigue, therefore increasing productivity.

It is also important to note that keyboards and mice should be able to be placed in positions that improve user comfort. Using wireless/Bluetooth keyboards and mice or cable extensions for wired peripherals to allow for increased movement is recommended. 

Workplace Flexibility and Health Through Ergonomics
The flexibility offered by ergonomic furniture, equipment and accessories extends beyond physical adjustments. It encompasses the ability to adapt one's work environment to suit individual needs and preferences of the user, thereby enhancing overall job satisfaction and productivity.  

For example;
A user who spends a lot of time out of the office (e.g. Sales Person) may find that they are primarily working from a laptop. However, when they are working from home, does the user have a laptop stand to elevate the screen, or an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to improve ergonomics? 

Or, when they visit the office, do you have “hot desks” with Laptop Docks to connect to external monitors, keyboards, and mice? All of these should be considerations to improve ergonomics for the specific use case of the end user. 

Elevating the Work Environment 
It is essential that businesses provide the necessary tools and equipment to promote an ergonomic environment for their users, driven by both health and productivity considerations. As UK businesses navigate the challenges of creating optimal work environments, the adoption of technology to improve user ergonomics and productivity is increasing. By putting processes and solutions in place to improve user ergonomics such as those we have listed promotes a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce. Providing benefits to both the business and the user. 

How can we help your business achieve enhanced productivity? 
If your business is interested in finding out how to improve productivity, efficiency, and ergonomics through technology: Fill out the form below. We can work with your business to ensure that you have the solutions in place to help your business and your employees succeed. We even work with trusted third party HSE experts to ensure that processes put in place can meet, and often exceed, HSE guidelines.