Get the Latest Trends for Office Ergonomics


Get the Latest Trends for Office Ergonomics

Published on: Sep 4, 2019

When it comes to workplace ergonomics, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. What works best for your staff depends on the specific type of tasks they perform, as well as their personal needs and preferences. But it’s well worth looking at the latest stats and trends.

Did you know that?

  • As early as 2000, OSHA estimated that one-third of every dollar spent on workers’ compensation claims resulted from ergonomic issues. The direct cost of musculoskeletal disorders caused by ergonomic shortfalls was listed at $20 billion. In 2013, ergonomic injuries accounted for more than 380,000 days out of work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • More than 85 percent of workers said they had experienced soreness or strains due to their office equipment or furniture.
  • Nearly one-third of employees said that having an ergonomically friendly workspace would enhance their mood while at work. Fifty percent said it would help them become more productive, and two-thirds said it would help improve their posture.

Here’s a look at a few of the latest trends in bringing your office up to speed ergonomically:

Standing Desks

For many employees, standing rather than sitting at their desks can improve their health and posture. This allows them to stretch their legs more during the workday.

  • You can offer everyone a standing desk – or provide a few workstations that employees can rotate through during a day. Either way, you’re helping to reduce strain and improve overall wellness.

Better Lighting

Research has shown that better natural or artificial lighting in the workplace is linked to reductions in absenteeism and increases in productivity.

  • If possible, provide ample natural light via windows. Otherwise, opt for enhancements in artificial lighting as a way to improve employee satisfaction and well-being.

The Right Screen Heights

As more and more workers spend most of their time at computer screens, the need for monitors to be correctly positioned has grown.

  • Help prevent neck, shoulder and eye strain by having employees’ monitors adjusted in height for optimal viewing. You may want to invest in monitor arms or risers for this purpose. As a general rule, monitors should be positioned at least 20 inches away to minimize strain.

And More...

Here are two more ideas for making your workplace more ergonomically friendly:

  • Consider active seating. This might include perch stools and/or ball chairs that require the user to shift their weight as they sit. This allows them to use energy while they sit and to keep their blood flow going.
  • Install acoustic controls. If your workplace has a lot of tiled rooms or hallways, the environment may be rather cold or harsh. If a room does not have a rug or carpeting, consider adding it to muffle sound and make the office feel homier. Adding plants with longer leaves also can reduce white noise in a room.

Partner With Frontline Source Group!

As you build and maintain your industry-leading workforce, including keeping your employees comfortable and injury-free, consider partnering with Frontline Source Group. Based in Dallas, we have offices nationwide, and we pride ourselves on providing the best client experience in the staffing industry. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.


Category(ies): Blog