Have you ever heard the word “ergonomics”? In a workplace, ergonomics entails designing that would fit the needs of the employees rather than attempting to make the employees adapt to the workplace. The goal of implementing ergonomics is to eliminate work-related discomfort and risk of harm. An ergonomically good design has been shown to significantly boost work quality and production along with the well-being of the employees.
Ergonomics can be in variety of ways. For example, having designed or customized tables and chairs for employees’ workstations that can help them work comfortably. In a company where workers are in front of desktops or computers most of the time, wrist rests are given for them to have better typing posture. In short, ergonomics plays a big role in good posture. Having poor posture can greatly cause negative impacts to employees.
Five negative impacts of poor posture in a workplace
1. BACK PAIN
Back pain is one of the most common negative consequences of poor posture. It causes unwanted pulled or strained muscles on the back, which can affect both the upper and lower parts. Sitting in a slouching forward manner for an entire day puts strains on your shoulders. Not only that, but also excessive leaning can cause back pain. It is important to sit at optimal level and in a proper manner to avoid back pain.
2. NECK PAIN
Together with back pain, poor posture can also bring neck pain. Bad posture strains your posterior muscles, causing problems with your neck. When computer or desktop monitors or objects needed for work are placed too low, the risk of developing neck pain increases significantly.
3. HEADACHES
When you feel pain on your back and neck, it can gradually lead to headaches as well. When your neck and back are strained, there is tightness on the base of the head that can cause tension headaches. This type of headache can cause mild to moderate or even severe pain on the back of the head and neck. When you have a tension headache, you may also feel tightness or pressure around your forehead. This can have a negative effect on work productivity and even lead to absenteeism.
4. POOR SLEEP
Since bad posture causes discomfort as well, the tendency would be for you to find it difficult to relax your body at night, giving you have a hard time to find a position that will allow you to sleep comfortably.
5. DIGESTIVE ISSUES
Digestive problems can arise as a result of poor sitting posture. Ignoring to give importance to your posture can compress your organs, slowing digestion and resulting to stomach issues. Slouching too much can force stomach acid to move in the wrong direction that can lead to heartburns. Constipation is also a problem because it makes it more difficult for the abdominal muscles to help transport feces out. Fewer bowel movements are then observed.
As we know, ergonomics plays an important role in achieving good posture; however, we can also help ourselves to have proper posture in a variety of ways. We can do exercises which focus on body parts that can be affected by poor posture. Exercises like crunches, planks, neck and leg extensions, and stretching can greatly help. Remember that despite of being overly busy and the work environment of having to sit for almost the whole day, you need to move as much as you can. You can walk around your office during breaks. You can stretch in intervals while still sitting at your desk during work time. You should also keep track on the actions relating on how you do your work. You can do some minor changes on your setup as well. Hold your shoulders and arms at a 90-degree angle and position your monitor straight ahead at eye level when sitting at your desk to work, so that your posture when you sit and work is better.
Poor posture may appear to be a minor issue at first, but it gradually causes significant discomfort and harm to your health. Do not ignore this; instead, take preventive measures or address it as soon as you notice minimal effects. It has a negative impact not only on your health, but also on your work performance, as it can lead to low productivity and, worse, absenteeism. Employers should not be hesitant to invest in ergonomics because it is also for the benefit of their employees. When it comes to work comfortability and productivity, both employers and employees have their fair share.
