Corporate Ergonomics and Wellness

1. Corporate Ergonomics and Wellness On average, people spend approximately 13 years and two months of their lives at work. It has now become even more important than ever for companies to recognize the importance of improving the ergonomics of their workplace for its employees. At any workplace, people spend their time working on desktops and laptops for hours at length. Without proper ergonomics, spending an extended period of time on the computer can lead to lower back pains and several musculoskeletal disorders. People feel uncomfortable and often times cannot focus well on their work. Hence, the importance of corporate ergonomics should not be overlooked as it helps in improving the productivity and physical and mental wellbeing of employees. According to research by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, organizations should integrate plans for health protection and health promotion together. In other words, corporate ergonomics and wellness should be incorporated to optimize the general well- being and productivity of the employees. The research further noted that separation of these two concepts or failure to make plans for them can impede health improvement and safety. Poor ergonomics causes the following injuries: 1) Ganglion Cysts (“Bible Bumps”) swelling that forms a lump on the wrist due to extended use of the keyboard. 2) Carpal tunnel syndrome a painful condition of the hands and wrists caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the shoulder down the arm to the hands. 3) Trigger Finger causes pain and inflammation on the palm side of the index finger. 4) Tendinitis causes pain and inflammation in any joint such as the elbow, wrist, knee, etc. 5) Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis) causes pain and inflammation in the elbow. 6) Rotator Cuff/Tendinitis causes pain and restricted motion in the shoulder that may lead to arthritis.

2. How companies can adopt corporate ergonomics : 1) Ergonomic Workstations : - Workstations should be built keeping in mind the ergonomic factors that will help employees maintain proper posture while working on their computers for long hours. - Workstations should be comfortable enough to allow the employees to change their position, sit, tilt, straighten their spine and neck, keep their shoulders, torso, and head at ease or slightly bent when necessary and so on. - Employees should be given ergonomic chairs that can be adjusted at different heights. - Monitors should be set up at an adjustable height in a way that employees do not have to strain their necks and eyes. - They should be provided with keyboard and mouse hand support mats. 2) Ergonomics Training Seminars : -Companies should hold training seminars to inform their employees about the benefits of maintaining a proper posture and improving the ergonomics of their workstation. -Employees should be made aware of the health risks associated with poor ergonomics and they should be encouraged to visit a physical therapist if they find themselves uncomfortable or in pain due to poor body posture. -They should also be encouraged to take regular breaks in between work and take long walks that can help with breaking the monotony and giving a rest to the body and mind. Benefits of Corporate Ergonomics : 1) Increase in Employee Productivity : Corporate ergonomics promotes overall wellness of the employees. Employees enjoy working in a comfortable position even if it is for long hours. 2) Improves Quality of Work : Poor ergonomics leads to employees being tired and frustrated. With a better ergonomic work station, people do their best work. 3) Improves Employee Engagement : Employees feel motivated when they see the company putting in efforts to create a better work environment for them. If an employee has a better working experience, it can result in lower turnover, reduce absenteeism and create a better work culture. References https://www.payscale.com/career-news/2018/10/heres-how-many-years-youll-spend-work-in- your-lifetimehttps://www.payscale.com/career-news/2018/10/heres-how-many-years-youll- spend-work-in-your-lifetime

3. https://www.afscme.org/news/publications/workplace-health-and-safety/safe-jobs-now-a-guide-https://www.afscme.org/news/publications/workplace-health-and-safety/safe-jobs-now-a-guide- to-health-and-safety-in-the-workplace/chapter-7-ergonomics-preventing-strains-sprains-and- back-injuries/injuries-caused-by-poor-ergonomics https://ergo-plus.com/workplace-ergonomics-benefits/