According to Safe Work Australia, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries were responsible for 90 per cent of serious claims in 2014-15. Among those, the most common injuries were in the joints/ligaments and muscles/tendons (almost 45 per cent). Today, employees will spend an average of eight hours at their workstations, and a few other hours elsewhere, working on their laptops and smartphones.

The problem with sitting continuously for hours together is an awkward hunched posture.  This then becomes the starting point for issues like lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain also resulting in stressed wrists and forearms.

Naturally, there is a growing concern among employers worried about absenteeism and loss of health at work stemming from MSD. According to AI’s Absenteeism and Presenteeism Survey Report 2015, the annual cost of absenteeism to the Australian economy is over a whopping $44 billion. It’s not surprising therefore to now see corporations and businesses introducing a culture that promotes wellbeing and health at the workplace.

The ergonomic experts at Humanscale Consulting want to teach you how to improve the overall wellbeing of your team. They understand that given the new pressures workers are under, health and wellbeing strategies in the workplace have entered a new phase of maturity. Working with corporations across the world of all sizes, Humanscale’s holistic approach to ergonomics education, assessment and strategy development supports teams’ and individuals’ overall wellbeing, while also contributing in large measure to the over health and wellbeing of their corporation at large.

The evolution of ergonomics at the workplace

According to a research by MetLife in 2017, Australian employers are increasing support for the physical, mental, emotional and social welfare of their employees. As it turns out, almost a staggering 78 per cent are offering benefits that promote health and wellness, coming a close second to initiatives that improve productivity (80 per cent).  This has in turn prompted the rise of a growing need for ergonomic solution providers that rely on R+D to provide businesses and their employees a uniquely comfortable experience at work. This is where Humanscale is uniquely positioned. The design powerhouse manufactures self-adjusting chairs, adjustable sit-stand desks, monitor arms, task lighting, keyboard systems and ergonomic office tools, all of which do well to inspire movement and support the user in every possible posture.

Recently launching a training, education and assessment subsidiary – Humanscale Consulting – the brand continues to provide ergonomics education throughout the world, bolstering their offering to end-users with a comprehensive portfolio of products that no longer fit the body to the tools, but the tools to the body. Beyond assisting businesses in developing and implementing cost-effective ergonomics programs, Humanscale’s total service seeks to create a new culture of care and stewardship in the professional environment: one where a reciprocal support for each other’s wellbeing leads to a positive future of health, happiness, satisfaction and supreme productive in the workplace landscape.

Ergonomics: Popular inside and outside of work!

It’s also interesting to note a change in the attitudes and mindsets of people, when it comes to acknowledging the importance of wellbeing while they work. With growing demand, modern technology has taken the concept of ergonomics, originally intended for improving health at the workplace, to a brand new level. Ergonomics is now a part of our homes and daily lives too. For instance, there are softwares like F.lux that help people adjust their computer screen colours to its most optimal setting to avoid any strain to the eyes. Another widely used product is Upright, a small device that can be attached to one’s back and provides immediate posture feedback. Upright also comes with an app that lets one track their progress through the day.

But, how can ergonomics help your business?

1.       For starters, it lowers the risk of developing poor posture and back pain automatically bolstering employee efficiency.
2.       According to a report by OSHA, $1 of every $3 spent on workers’ compensation stems from insufficient ergonomic protection. Naturally, this presents a huge opportunity in savings for companies and corporations.
3.       Better ergonomics boosts morale and increases employee involvement.  As it turns out, workplace ergonomics will serve as a steady reminder of your commitment to your employees’ health and safety. This brings about a ripple effect of benefits that goes as far as to lower attrition rates driving positive business outcomes.

The future of ergonomics and wellbeing

In future, more and more companies like Humanscale will be seen relying on technology to help integrate movement, fitness and well-being in the office. Already Humanscale is working on ErgoIQ, a new web-based educational program that is poised to teach office employees about ergonomic principles with a bunch of other interesting features. Then there’s OfficeIQ, which is being touted as a one-of-its-kind workplace solution, to help users maximise the benefits of their sit/stand workstations. Using tools like these, companies will be able to provide dynamic and comfortable workstations while also saving time and money. With research, development and technology at the heart of initiatives like these, the future of wellbeing at work truly looks promising.

Your employees are the largest drivers of your company’s growth. Are you doing enough to promote their health and well-being? If not, it’s not too late to start.

Take a look at what Humanscale can do to improve employee productivity and reduce absenteeism.