People don’t typically associate office work with on-the-job health hazards. Nevertheless, there are various ways that an office environment can expose workers to health risks. Office managers and individual employees should familiarize themselves with some of the most common ways that injuries and illnesses in the workplace can compromise administrative professionals’ wellbeing. Affirmative steps to create a more health-focused working environment can enable workforces to stay healthy, happy, and productive.
Make Workstations Comfortable
Staying sedentary virtually all day may create a higher risk for orthopedic injuries or strains caused by repetitive motion. This risk may be especially great when employees have workstations with poor ergonomics.
It is imperative that workers have comfortable seating. Office chairs should be adjustable in height so that people can rest their legs comfortably. Chairs also need to offer good lumbar support, and they should ideally have arm rests to take some tension out of people’s shoulders.
Desks’ height is also a key consideration. People must be able to fit their knees under their desks comfortably. In addition, they should not have to crane their necks up or down to look at a monitor. Getting ergonomically designed desks doesn’t have to be extremely costly. Companies can purchase pre owned desks in good condition with ergonomic design elements.
Get Ergonomic Computer Equipment
Spending almost every hour at work on a computer is a common cause of Repetitive Strain Injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of an RSI that can cause office workers to experience pain for months or even years.
A user-friendly keyboard and mouse can significantly reduce the risk of this type of injury. If someone has already experienced an RSI from using a computer, this simple modification may be invaluable. A vertical mouse prevents people from having to crane their wrist. A split keyboard makes typing more comfortable for people’s wrists, shoulders, and neck.
Offer a Wellness Program
Adding a wellness program to an employee benefits package is an excellent way to show workers that their health is a priority. Program features such as nutritional counseling and smoking cessation support can have a major impact on people’s overall wellbeing. By taking advantage of a wellness program’s features, people in administrative fields may be able to stay healthier on the job.
It is important to remember that being attentive to health is a strategic way to promote productivity. Healthy employees are more productive than unhealthy employees, and people appreciate when their workplace provides them with tools to stay healthy.