Creating Ergonomic Workspaces for Employee Well-Being

The design philosophy of ergonomics adapts the environment to the worker, rather than making the worker adapt to their environment. No matter what the work setting—from office buildings to medical complexes, school settings, factories/warehouses, or retail operations—workplace conditions have proven impacts on your employees.

After reviewing 250 ergonomics case studies, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (Washington L&I) found a 59% average reduction in musculoskeletal disorders, a 65% average reduction in incidence rates, and a 68% reduction in workers’ compensation claims. Those kinds of results are well worth considering.

It’s universally understood when thinking of workplace ergonomics to select well-designed chairs with individual adjustments, along with computer mice, keyboards, and laptop stands/risers to assist with creating more ergonomic workstations. Even desks have evolved. According to the Stand Up to Work study, 65% of people with height-adjustable desks reported increased productivity after one year, in addition to better concentration ability.

But ergonomics in the workplace goes beyond well-designed furniture and technology. Aside from these traditional ways of thinking about ergonomics, there are additional—and often overlooked—strategies for incorporating the concept into different workplace environments:

Flooring

When it comes to flooring and ergonomics, look for comfortable, flexible options that decrease employee fatigue. There are also acoustic ergonomics to consider—creating a healthy, low-noise environment for better concentration and efficiency. Each time we’re distracted by unwanted noise, it takes an average of 15 minutes to regain concentration. Multiply that by several distractions a day for each employee, and you see how poor acoustics can impact productivity. Quiet floors that absorb rather than transfer noise are a good idea. Options abound when it’s time to look for ergonomic flooring:

• Carpet: Modular carpet tiles and planks are a popular solution for acoustics in the workplace. They soften harsh sounds and create a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment. With the addition of enhanced backing, they also provide more comfort underfoot.
• Resilient/luxury vinyl tile (LVT): These durable and low-maintenance options are tough enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and the smooth sliding of swivel office chairs, enhancing their ergonomic appeal for the office. The cushioned backing on some vinyl floors makes them sound-absorbent and quiet underfoot—reducing noise while providing comfort.
• Rubber tile: Ample rubber tile design options work throughout a facility—both at the front and back of house. Not only are the floors non-slip, they’re also easily maintained to keep spaces clean and safe. Plus, their durability and flexibility are hard to beat.
• Anti-fatigue mats: Used in office, retail and industrial settings, these cushioned mats help reduce employee fatigue and discomfort after long periods of standing on hard surfaces.

Lighting

Below are some standard lighting recommendations from the American Optometric Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For more detailed guidelines, check out OSHA’s general industry lighting requirements, which dive into all types of workplaces (offices, manufacturing, etc.).

• Supplemental lighting: Desks and other task areas should have supplemental lighting to provide sufficient illumination for specific activities and also to compensate for reduced contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.
• Window blinds: Blinds should be used to manage natural light effectively—and, importantly, to control glare on computer screens.
• Computer work: Computers should be arranged so any outside light hits the screen at a right angle, reducing glare and enhancing visibility. Controlling the glare while reducing the overhead lighting can decrease eye discomfort by 25% and improve focus by 15%.

Paint Colors and Finishes

Choosing the right colors for office walls can significantly impact productivity, focus, and overall work experience. In fact, the science of color psychology has gone so far as to determine how certain colors can influence not only our moods, but also influence how we act. Here are a few examples:

• Blue is a calming color, and promotes focus and concentration, making it ideal for many office environments.
• Yellow lifts moods and is associated with energy and positivity. It may help keep employees more alert on longer shifts and allow them to work more diligently.
• White walls may bring clean and clinical to mind, but they can also be open and minimalistic, which is ideal for brainstorming and creativity. Adding just a little warmth with off-white takes the edge off an otherwise “cold” room to help increase productivity.
• Add pops of color to any room with furniture, wall art, small décor, or other accents.
• Choose light and matte finishes for wall and ceiling paint—as opposed to glossy, reflective paint—to soften the reflection of light, reduce contrast, and minimize glare.

Implementing Ergonomics for a Happier Workforce - and Greater Productivity

When employees are healthy and comfortable, their energy and focus increase, resulting in heightened productivity. Research from Washington L&I found a 25% increase in productivity after ergonomic solutions were put into place.

Employees are such valuable assets within a company, so keeping them healthy and safe is a top priority. Implementing ergonomic strategies and tactics within your facility shows them your commitment to their health and well-being. When fatigue and discomfort are eliminated from an employee’s workday, it can lead to reduced turnover, decreased absenteeism, and may even improve morale and employee involvement. By implementing ergonomic designs, you can create a more comfortable, productive work environment that contributes to a happier, higher-performing workforce.

Editor's Note:  As the director of workplace segment markets for Tarkett North America, Derrell leads the organization’s strategic planning for market growth in corporate offices, life sciences, and multi-family projects. He believes collaboration is the key to any organization’s success and is passionate about supporting Tarkett customers with the research and design strategies needed for evolving the future of workplace environments.