We have all heard about the dangers of working in poor postures, sitting for long hours and using repetitive motions. If left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to discomfort or injuries and reduce employee efficiency. By using ergonomics, we can create workspaces that minimize these risk factors and promote the health and wellness of employees.
Promoting good ergonomics with employee training can be a very cost effective solution when done properly. Empowering employees with knowledge and skills will not only benefit them at their office workstation, but also in other areas they work like their home office, hotels, airplanes or coffee shops.
What Should Ergonomic Training Include?
The role of training in an ergonomics program is to teach employees basic principles of ergonomics that generally apply to everyone. For example, good sitting posture, proper monitor position and the importance of taking breaks. The goal of training is to encourage employees to take steps on their own before asking for help.
Here is a list of things to include in training:
• Adjusting the chair
• Monitor/laptop positioning
• Keyboard and mouse use
• Healthy habits and stretch breaks
• Guidelines for standing
• Home office tips
• Working on the go
• What to do if more help is needed
What is the best way to provide training?
Repetition and multiple learning formats are keys to true learning. Promoting ergonomics several times per year helps with long term retention and providing information in multiple formats allows employees to participate based on their learning style.
For example, you may offer a combination of onsite 1:1 consultations, live webinars, workshops and even handouts. Employees may be exposed to training as a new hire, during yearly wellness campaigns and have ongoing access in your learning management system.
Beyond Training
Now that we know what training is best for, let’s talk about when someone might need a little more help.
While training is used for information that generally applies to everyone, ergonomic evaluations are used to meet the unique needs of an individual. Many people get what they need from training alone, but here are some cases where an ergonomic evaluation may be needed:
People who have tried to make adjustments, but still feel something is not quite right.
People who use specialized equipment like graphic designers, call center employees, game developers, etc.
People who have discomfort.
People who may need alternative furniture or equipment because of height or weight.
Those who have long term conditions, medical issues, a history of repetitive stress injuries like back pain, tendonitis, etc.
Good ergonomics training programs are one of the most cost effective ways to prevent workplace injuries and keep employees feeling their best. If you would like more information, check out our top Ergonomic talks below! Ergonomic Essentials for Work Book It > Poor ergonomics creates a list of side effects like reduced blood circulation and chronic pain. The most common are musculoskeletal disorders, which affect the body’s muscles, tendons, and nerves. In this health talk session, attendees will understand how to improve posture and strengthen and restore muscles. Participants will learn soft tissue release techniques, simple chair yoga poses, and stress-relieving breathwork. Comfort has a direct impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, and this interactive talk is a step toward proper ergonomics. Tech Neck Causes and Prevention Book It >
You've heard about repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel and tendinitis, but have you heard of tech neck? The medical term is cervical kyphosis. It’s a painful condition caused by slouching over a phone, laptop, or computer for extended periods. In this health talk session, attendees will learn the common causes and symptoms of tech neck pain that’s becoming more common in the digital age. Participants will identify proper work posture and ergonomics, plus easy-to-do stretches to ease pain caused by tech neck.
1-on-1 Ergonomic Desk Setup
Book It >
Workplace comfort determines our wellbeing and productivity. After all, who can get work done (let alone good quality work) when they're feeling pain in the neck, shoulders, and wrists? In this 1:1 service session, a health professional will assess a participant's workplace equipment and discuss how and why this equipment should be adjusted for each individual. Other topics include how to modify desks, how to sit properly, and how to move to prevent injury in your office.
Good ergonomics training programs are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent workplace injuries and keep employees feeling their best. If you would like more information or to book an ergonomic talk with our team, please get in touch today!