As part of a corporate wellness program, the company must ensure that their employees have healthy workstations. In workplaces, especially in the office, employees spend most of their time sitting down. Doing this constantly can put undue pressure on several areas of the body such as the back or the neck. This can cause injuries and chronic pain which can lead to poor job performance and frequent absences, thereby affecting the company’s overall production. Hence, a workplace that is designed in accordance with the principles of ergonomics is necessary. The following are guidelines on how to create a healthy workstation for the benefit of both the company and the employees.

Have Workstations that Allow Positional Changes

Long ago, it was believed that fixed postures were the best, especially when it comes to working, but recent studies have shown that these postures can cause injuries and health problems. Medical experts agree that fixed postures can cause muscle fatigue. In addition, employees who keep their legs immobile for hours can develop a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can potentially form blood clots in the lower extremities. The ability to change their working positions often is essential to good health and increased productivity.

To prevent muscle fatigue, it is advised to have a workplace timer that will remind employees to walk around and stretch their muscles to improve blood circulation.

Take Breaks

Doing repetitive tasks is very stressful and this can make employees lose focus. Aside from the normal lunch or snack breaks, the company must also allot a few minutes for exercise or stretching breaks to refresh the mind. This way, the employees will be able to work for long hours without being overly stressed. Moreover, breaks can minimize posture-related injuries since employees will have to leave their station and walk around the workplace.

Have Ergonomic Chairs and Desks

As mentioned, fixed postures are detrimental to an employee’s health and safety. Inspect the seats and see to it that they are comfortable for the employees. The seat should allow reclining as being on a reclined position decreases the pressure on the spine and allows an even distribution of weight on the back of the seat. Also, make sure that the seat height is just right to be able to reach the desk and work properly there. Ideally, the armrests must be adjustable for the performance of different tasks and to accommodate users with different body sizes.

The desk, on the other hand, must be of the right height with respect to the height of the user. If not, the employee will have to struggle working on a desk that is either too low or too high. Furthermore, it should have enough compartments to allow the storage of files and office supplies.

Educate Your Employees

Educating employees about the ideal settings of their workplace makes them less prone to workplace injuries and health problems. Once they have become aware of the ideal working positions and the signs of injuries, they will seek to protect themselves by stretching once in a while and working with the ideal posture. They will also rearrange their workspace to minimize injuries and accident.

Consider providing your employees with more information, conduct seminars about workplace ergonomics and invite some health & fitness experts in  to discuss the potential health risks of an unhealthy workstation.