Office Design Can Increase Productivity

Ninety percent of business decision-makers say improvements in office design can increase worker productivity by creating an environment where hindrances to efficiency are eliminated or minimized.

To remain competitive, 70 percent of business decision-makers say companies need to rethink office design at least once every five years.

New office designs can also increase employee productivity while keeping your company progressive and competitive. Choosing office furniture requires time and planning to work for your business today and in the future. An interior designer can offer various ergonomically sensitive designs that fit your budget.

OSHA released a new safety and health program rule in November that is wide sweeping, which includes ergonomic issues in the workplace.

What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is concerned with everything that impacts individual performance. That includes physical factors — like noise, light and heat — as well as psychosocial factors – like stress and motivation. Ergonomics pays equal attention to both body and mind.

Most jobs are insulting to the body and the mind. The result is a tremendous drain on the world’s economic resources.

Back Injuries Cost

Cumulative Trauma Disorders increased by more than 800 percent from 1980 to 1993, costing U.S. businesses more than $24 billion in medical and indirect costs. The second leading cause of absenteeism among U.S. workers is back injury, costing the industry $20-50 billion annually in lost productivity. Lawsuits alleging improper ergonomic standards are increasing.

Progressive companies that invest more dollars in ergonomically sound environments are experiencing long-term savings from increased worker well being.

Prolonged sitting has been shown to obstruct blood circulation and increase blood pooling in the feet. And the greatest rates of back injuries have been reported in predominately sitting jobs.

So, employees should stretch, bend and get up and move.

Light Has Influence

Ergonomics includes the environment: Sight is the dominant sensory experience for human beings and is obviously affected by lighting in the office.

Light affects us physically. When the light is right, we see well. Light affects us psychologically, influencing emotions. Finally, light affects us mentally. Low lighting makes us drowsy. Good lighting spurs productivity.

Maximize the productivity of computer users with these guidelines: 1) Always provide low ambient lighting; 2) Supplement it with task lighting; and 3) Use as much natural light as possible.

Noise is considered one of the biggest problems in the office by almost 60 percent of workers. Acoustically efficient panels, floors and ceiling tiles minimize noise distractions. Other noise masking systems that generate “white” noise, are becoming common.

The Nose Knows: Poor indoor air quality can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth as well as the development of such building-related illnesses as Legionnaire’s Disease. These illnesses are a major source of lost work time and sick days. Airborne pollutants are the culprits.

Maintain proper air quality and reduce absenteeism. A proper ventilation system will dilute and disperse pollutants; Temperature outside acceptable ranges can worsen indoor pollution problems so it should be a constant 69 to 72 degrees.

If Your Office Could Talk …

What would it say about you and the way you work? The answers to that question can provide meaningful feedback. These and other insights enable employers to structure work environments that help workers more accurately and effectively perform tasks, which affect profits.

For workers to achieve the maximum benefits from ergonomics, companies must pro-actively establish an ongoing ergonomics program that meets standards and regulations set by ANSI/HSES 100 and ANSI Z-365. It should include: 1) A written document detailing the program; 2) A work site assessment method; 3) Intervention strategies that include modifications in task requirements and workspace layouts, as well as employee training programs; 4) Medical management of ergonomics-related health problems.

Josh Norman is vice president of Work Place Furnishings/Norman Co. in Fayetteville. He may be reached at 770-2170 or via e-mail at [email protected].