In order to ensure healthy work spaces, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated on April 28 every year. Although companies have professionals responsible for ensuring proper ergonomic conditions, preventing the harmful effects of long hours in front of the computer is also the responsibility of every worker.
Posture, type of chair and desk, organization of space in the office, and even the influence of environmental factors such as brightness, noise and air quality are the conditions that determine the ergonomics of the workplace. Paying attention to these factors allows us to maintain efficiency, safety and business well-being.
From back or neck pain, which can easily occur during periods of high stress, to tendonitis and other muscle problems, the consequences of working eight hours in front of a computer can be overwhelming. To avoid these harassments, companies and employees can take various measures that contribute to improving the working environment in workplaces.
Along with the changes to the business model due to the pandemic, the physical space also had to be rethought. Ergonomics depends not only on the design of objects, but also on the interaction between the user and the objects in his environment. That's what WeWork, the global leader in flexible workspace, understands.
“We design spaces with a human-centred approach. We have a deep understanding of the impact of physical space on people and the way it can act as a facilitator of inspiration, engagement, creativity and interaction,” says Markus Tonneler, Director of Architecture and Design at Wework Latam.
Factors to consider
Although companies have a risk prevention specialist responsible for ensuring compliance with proper ergonomic conditions, workers can also maintain a good working environment through simple procedures, whether they are working at home or from the office. Self-care is essential to avoid risks to physical health. To do this, it is recommended to pay attention to the following factors:
1. Position: Keep the screen at eye level, with shoulders relaxed and wrists aligned with forearms, to avoid tension.
2. Organize your workspace: Having enough space to move freely, keeping frequently used items within easy reach and clear access areas are simple measures that contribute to improved productivity. Along these lines, Tonnelier highlights the importance of space planning in the office: understanding the characteristics of each building to provide the best views of the spaces, natural light and outdoor areas is key. “We think about the different ways our partners, guests, community and operations teams will move through space, and plan for each of these experiences,” he explains.
3. Safe Furniture: Using a chair with adjustable lumbar support and a desk at the appropriate height prevents fatigue and muscle pain.
4. Protective accessories: Use footrests to maintain a comfortable posture, ergonomic keyboards and mice to reduce tension in the hands and wrists, as well as adjust lighting, avoiding eye strain and muscle pain.
5. Effect of environmental factors: Adjusting temperature and lighting, working in a noise-free environment, improves the working experience whether at home or in the office.
Ergonomics goes beyond just good posture, it ranges from the design of the workspace layout to the self-care routines each worker can do. Taking these factors into consideration is essential to promoting a comfortable work environment that positively impacts the health and productivity of employees.
