As an employer, you may be always looking to improve workplace productivity – always looking to get the edge on anything that contributes to unproductive work practices, whether related to culture, management, software or even office design and furniture.
Surveys are reporting that you may be able to increase productivity using one of the most basic parts of a workplace – the humble office chair.
Furniture that offers poor body support and alignment can lead to neck and back pain and less productivity at work. According to one report, Australian employers shoulder the strain of workplace injuries, with back pain costing about $8.15 billion in lost earnings and productivity. Discomfort can cause disengagement that can be detrimental to your business.
That’s why the value of investing in the right office furniture and providing a safe and comfortable working environment can never be overstated. Employees are your greatest asset. Investing in their comfort should always be your priority.
There are a number of reasons to invest in good office furniture.
Create a More Productive Office Environment
Discomfort makes it easy for employees to be distracted. When you furnish your office with ergonomic office chairs designed for comfort and efficiency, you encourage your teams to focus on being productive.
When employees are comfortable, they are able to focus for a longer time to get the job done. If employees send most of their time sitting in front of a computer then ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, and standing desk converters are some types of furniture you should be investing in for better employee morale and comfort, and in turn, increased productivity.
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Keep up With Changing Work Environments
The latest desks, chairs, and storage options are generally modular and light in weight. So it is easy to re-configure them to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern day working environment.
Avoid Posture Problems
Ergonomic office chairs are designed to ensure employees maintain a proper posture at all times. They are generally height-adjustable, allow one to incline backwards or forwards, or adjust the back rest, and many have armrests for balance and optimum relaxation.
The chairs have been designed this way in order to avoid hunching and posture issues that are often associated with sitting for extended periods. On the other hand, standing and height-adjustable desks allow employees to take a break from sitting, thus reducing the pressure on the spine that comes with prolonged sitting.
Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Office
Employees appreciate a stylish working environment, and good furniture is part of that. You want them to feel inspired whenever they walk into their place of work. You also want them to feel confident when talking to clients. Investing in ergonomic seats that also fit in with your office vibe and design can be a great place to start.
Minimise Absenteeism
You’ll be surprised that comfortable seats and desks might even contribute to the reduction of no-shows at work. But that’s not even the main reason to invest in good office chairs and tables.
In addition to stress, common cold, and flu, neck and back pain are common reasons employees miss work. But since ergonomic seating minimises the discomfort, pain, and reduces muscle fatigue, you may make inroads into reducing absenteeism by investing in comfortable furniture.
Ensure your Team’s Health
86% of employees say their office chairs make them uncomfortable, and about 41% say their chairs cause them physical pain. Your team wants to feel comfortable and happier at work. You have an obligation to provide them with healthy and safe working environment as far as reasonably practicable. Investing in ergonomic and comfortable chairs is a relatively inexpensive way to show them that you have their health and comfort in mind – and ultimately, encourage them to perform to their best.
In summary, not only does neck and back pain have a negative impact on your employee’s lives – it can affect their employer as well. It’s therefore in your best interest to invest in quality office furniture.
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