Work spaces in offices began to change their furniture after realizing the benefits of ergonomics through their furniture. Ergonomics is still unfamiliar to the public, so furniture is not widely used. Without realizing it, this type of furniture has many benefits for its users when working.
People who have direct contact with architecture and interior design are familiar with the term ergonomics. They themselves designed ergonomic furniture with the aim of increasing productivity while working. So, it's not wrong to switch to ergonomic furniture, especially after reading the various benefits in this article.
Understanding Ergonomics
Broadly, ergonomics can be understood as designing furniture for human needs. However, this term is often understood simply as the design of workspace furniture with the aim of increasing productivity and efficiency during work. In fact, all human characteristics, including strengths and weaknesses, are the main benchmark in creating the furniture needed for work. Ergonomics comes from Greek which consists of the words "Ergon" and "Nomos". Ergon means work and strength, while Nomos means rule or law. Generally, ergonomics definitions according to experts discuss the relationship between humans and workers with their tasks and work as well as the design of the objects they use, including furniture. Interestingly, the implementation of ergonomic furniture in the work space has succeeded in bringing great benefits to employees. Many studies have succeeded in proving the benefits of ergonomics when furniture is applied in work spaces. This good news should be an incentive for companies to change their furniture in an ergonomic direction. In essence, ergonomics is the science, art and application of technology to harmonize and balance all the facilities used for activities and rest with all human abilities, capabilities and limitations both physically and mentally so as to achieve a better overall quality of life. Also read: History of Ergonomics in the World of Furniture that You Need to Know
Scope of Ergonomics
The scope of ergonomics is physical, cognitive, organizational and environmental ergonomics. The following is the explanation:
1. Physical Ergonomics
Physical ergonomics is the scope of ergonomics related to human body anatomy, anthropometry, characteristics, physiology, and biomechanics related to physical activity.
2. Cognitive Ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics is a scope related to human mental processes including perception, memory and reactions as a result of human interaction with the use of system elements.
3. Organizational Ergonomics
Organizational ergonomics is a scope related to the optimization of organizational systems, such as organizational structure, policies and work processes.
4. Environmental Ergonomics
The final scope is related to temperature, noise, vibration and lighting. Also read: 5 Standards for Room Lighting in the Workplace
Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace that Benefit Employees
What benefits and ergonomics can employees experience when using the furniture? PEXIO will explain it in full below. These benefits can be a consideration for you to 'move' to ergonomic furniture.
1. Increase Focus
Ergonomic furniture is designed with employee comfort in mind so they are more focused and enthusiastic when working. A high level of focus certainly helps employees concentrate more when working. The higher the concentration, the work can be completed well and precisely. Also read: 4 types of office interiors that you must have
2. Increase productivity
Increased focus also increases employee productivity. Apart from that, by applying ergonomic principles such as ergonomic furniture, human abilities and limitations in working can be overcome. This is because ergonomics designs a work system so that people can work more comfortably. As a result, employees can provide the best performance to the company. Targets or achievements at work can be achieved more easily because of the high productivity generated.
3. Improve Health
It is necessary to realize that there are human limitations in designing or working. For example, when sitting, because people have different heights, there will be some feet that are on the floor and those that aren't. Even though feet that are not on the floor are at greater risk of tingling. Employee health can also be maintained simply by using ergonomic furniture. For example, the VLAD ergonomic work chair is height-adjustable and has a neck cushion attached to it. Employees who use these chairs no longer feel neck pain from looking at the screen for too long. Not only that, this upright chair also maintains body posture so that it is not susceptible to back pain.
4. Work Quality Increases
One of the goals of ergonomics is to design work equipment that is as comfortable as possible, so that employees can still produce good quality work results. This benefit is related to the third point, namely the reduction in pain produced by employees when struggling with work. Employees will not be distracted by the pain so they can focus on work and the products produced will be of higher quality. Also read: 5 Symptoms of Low Back Pain that You Should Know
5. Improve relations between employees
The use of ergonomic furniture in the work space is a form of attention to employee health (reducing the risk of work-related diseases). Healthy employees will want to be more involved with their company. This sense of involvement certainly improves relationships between employees, so that collaboration can be carried out more easily.
6. Improve Security
An ergonomic work environment definitely pays attention to the safety and security of employees while working. Warren's ergonomic work desk, for example, is designed with a slim design, creating more space between desks. Employees are calm when walking because they don't have to worry about bumping into their co-workers' chairs. Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Ergonomic Chairs Are Very Important in the Office
7. Make Employees Happy
Using the right ergonomic furniture will certainly ensure that employees are not burdened when working. Physical and mental health, shown by employees looking happier because they get the benefits of the ergonomic furniture mentioned above. Starting from improved health and leading to good work results, all of this brings big profits to the company.
8. Workers Feel Appreciated
The final benefit which is no less important is that ergonomics has practical value for morals. When workers know their workplace takes ergonomics seriously, it can make them feel highly valued and valued.
Ergonomics Principles
After knowing the benefits of implementing ergonomic furniture, then also understand what the principles of ergonomics are like at work.
- Work in a normal position or posture
- Reduce excessive load
- Place equipment so that it is always within reach
- Work according to the height of the body dimensions
- Reduces repetitive and excessive movements
- Minimize static movement
- Minimize load points
- Have enough space (clearance)
- Stretch while working
- Create a comfortable work environment
To understand more deeply the principles of ergonomics at work, please click the following link "10 Ergonomic Principles at Work and Examples".
Conclusion
The benefits of ergonomics are not only felt in work furniture, but also living room furniture such as sofas. The ALICE sofa is also ergonomically designed because it is equipped with shelves, drawers and a coffee table. Get this product only at PEXIO and experience the various ergonomic benefits above.