The benefits of an ergonomic workplace – part 1/3

A healthier workplace: Start working more healthily today
Part 1/3 (update 08-2018)

Why should you start making your workplace healthier today?
In this three-part series, we’ll show you why you should start making your workplace healthier today. We’ll also explain exactly what a healthy workplace entails and how you can make a big difference simply by making a few adjustments yourself. Part 1 focuses on the important ‘why’ question. Why should you invest time and effort into improving your workplace or working environment? You’re about to find out.

1. The hard facts

The benefits of a healthy workplace
Over the past few decades, a great deal of research has been carried out into the consequences of an unhealthy and a healthy workplace. This has yielded a wealth of interesting results and figures. A fairly predictable conclusion from many of these studies was, of course: “A healthy workplace is better for both the employee and the employer”. Whilst you climb back into your chair, I’ll jot down a few facts and figures about a healthy workplace.

Benefits of a healthy workplace for employers and employees

There is much to be gained in the workplace. Various studies highlight issues that may never be completely eliminated, but can certainly be drastically reduced. Consider the following figures:

- 3.2 million -

Of all working people in the Netherlands, 3.2 million have experienced RSI-related complaints at some point. Repetitive Strain Injury is a well-known term covering a wide range of physical complaints. The word ‘repetitive’ refers to the many repetitive movements we make every day in the office.

- 60% risk -

A study by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work shows that more than 60% of working Dutch people are at risk of RSI symptoms as a result of repetitive hand and/or arm movements. Incidentally, this is not a record. That honour goes to Finland, with a nearly 80% chance of RSI symptoms.

- 34% absenteeism -

Of all days of absence, 34% are accounted for by employees staying at home with physical discomfort due to poor workplace ergonomics. That is more than a third of total sick leave caused by not providing employees with the correct equipment at their workplace. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), in 2014 there were 37 employees off sick per 1,000 employees. More than 11 of these were therefore suffering from complaints caused by a poorly designed workplace.

- 11% burnout -

As mentioned earlier, a healthy workplace can reduce stress. There is much to be gained from this, given that 11% of employees experience burnout due to stress. This stress causes employees to experience reduced concentration, fatigue and even psychological problems. Not good for productivity.

- 35% "Work affects my health" -

A major European study reveals that 35% of employees state that the work they do affects their health. 24.7% of these cases are due to back pain, 22.8% to muscle pain.

2. Proven results

Countless companies have already taken the lead and developed ergonomic programmes for their staff
There are plenty of examples of companies that recognised at an early stage that significant benefits could be gained from improved ergonomics. You can find a few of them below. The results achieved speak for themselves.

Siemens
An old one, but a golden one. In 1991, 43% of Siemens’ 250 employees complained that they regularly experienced pain in their shoulders, back, elbows and fingers. Siemens subsequently decided to carry out a special ergonomic assessment at every workstation. All employees were provided with ergonomic aids such as back supports, ergonomic mice/keyboards and document holders. There was also a focus on taking short, regular breaks, special online training programmes were introduced, and every member of staff received training on posture, exercises and adjustments to their workstation.

Intel
Intel, another well-known company, concluded at the end of the last century that its absenteeism figures were on the high side. A large company like Intel has the resources to take drastic measures, and indeed did so. Within a few years, 28 full-time ergonomists were hired across the company’s many sites.

Collaboration between OSHA (USA), the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the US Postal Service
In 2003, these three American organisations decided to join forces in an ergonomic strategic partnership. Through this, they hoped to significantly reduce physical complaints. An ergonomic risk reduction process was developed. More than 77,000 employees have now been trained. In recent years, over 7,000 tasks have also been analysed, resulting in 3,600 corrections being made.

3. Legislation

Clear rules for employers
In our country, there are very clear laws with specific regulations. This also applies to ‘computer work’, as it is rather stuffily termed. The Working Conditions Regulations contain provisions that both the employer and the employee must adhere to. Here are a few examples:

• The computer screen must be freely positionable and easily adjustable and tiltable
• The screen must be free from glare and reflections that are distracting to the user
• The keyboard can be positioned at an angle and is not integrated with the computer screen
• The work chair is stable, has a height-adjustable seat and a backrest, the height and angle of which are adjustable, and provides the user with freedom of movement and a comfortable working posture
• A footrest is fitted if the user so wishes
• The humidity level is always adequate

What does this mean for an employer? Providing a healthy workplace is not just a nice bonus, it is your duty! And for the employee? Have the confidence to speak to your employer and point out any issues in and around your workplace that prevent you from feeling your best and being as productive as possible.

4. And now it’s your turn

When are you going to start improving your workplace?
As you can see, you’re certainly not the first person wanting to make their workplace or working environment healthier and more productive. Plenty have gone before you, and the figures don’t lie. Of course, examples from large companies are cited here, but it is precisely these that ensure the figures are reliable. It gives a good indication of the impact a healthier workplace will have on you as an individual.

If you’re not quite sure where to start to make your workplace more ergonomic, make use of our comprehensive ergonomic services. For example, we can arrange for you to receive advice from independent ergonomists or provide personalised product advice.

Not convinced yet? At the very least, give it some thought and consider the options available to you. In part 2 of this three-part series on making your workplace healthier, I’ll show you what a healthy workplace looks like and what you need to take into account. Hope to see you again soon!

• Sources:
• ergonomics-info.com
• TNO
• CBS
• WHO
• OSHA
• wetten.overheid.nl
• ergosystems.ca