Today, office jobs are more prevalent in society than ever before. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased 83% since 1950. But, unfortunately, while many desk jobs are an essential part of our world, they can spell bad news for the health of the people that do them.
Sitting at a desk for hours on end day after day can take a toll on the human body. It deprives you of the physical activity your body needs to stay healthy, but it can also cause chronic pain. It is where office ergonomics come in.
What Is Office Ergonomics?
Office ergonomics refers to making sure that the equipment used each day in the office works well and doesn’t cause damage to your health. It’s a scientific method applied to make sure that everything used is both fit for purpose and serves the human body in the best way possible.
Ergonomics as a concept has been around for centuries. However, its application to office equipment is a relatively new phenomenon. Only after the workforce began to shift more and more toward offices was it that scientists and engineers began to consider the effect this could be having on the human body.
Why Is It Important?
Studies found that sitting for extended periods coupled with using ill-fitting and poorly designed equipment took a serious toll on desk workers. Some of the ill effects noted include muscle cramps, deteriorating vision, neck and back pain, and swollen joints. As a result, today, ergonomics is taken into account by the vast majority of workplaces and office equipment manufacturers.
Ergonomics in an Office Work Environment
Over the years, many advances have been made in ergonomic equipment for offices. Some are small changes, for example, mousepads with wrist supports. Others are more elaborate. Take, for example, modern ergonomic chairs with adjustable heights and armrests and lumbar support.
The more we learn about office work and what it does to the human body, the better we can make the equipment used. One somewhat recent development has been the popularization of the standing desk. Many desks—such as this white standing desk—are now even adjustable to accommodate both standing and sitting, depending on what the worker wants.
Ergonomics aims to minimize the potential damage an office-based job can do to workers over time.
Final Thoughts:
Just because a worker is doing a job that isn’t traditionally seen as being physically demanding doesn’t mean it won’t take its toll on their health. So employers need to look after the health of their employees. No matter what kind of work they’re engaging in.
It is why office ergonomics is so important. So if you’re looking for more workplace tips and tricks, check out the rest of our content.
