We explain: Why is ergonomics important in the workplace?

Ergonomics in the workplace is more than just a trend. It is a scientific discipline that aims to organise our workspace in such a way that we become more productive, efficient and satisfied. At the same time, health complaints should be minimised.

Ergonomics, derived from the Greek "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (laws of nature), simply refers to the application of scientific findings to optimise the workplace for people. But what does this mean in everyday life? In practice, ergonomics in the workplace means:

• Body-friendly design: The aim is to design work equipment and environments in such a way that they correspond to the natural movements and postures of the human body. In this way, pain and strain can be avoided.
• Promoting health and well-being: Correct posture and the right equipment can significantly reduce typical office complaints such as tension, headaches and eye problems.
• Increase productivity: An ergonomic workplace promotes performance. When we feel comfortable, we can concentrate better and work more efficiently.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the topic and look at the importance of ergonomics in the workplace from different angles. You will learn why ergonomics is essential for your health and well-being and how you can optimise your workplace.

The relevance of ergonomics in the workplace

Ergonomics in the workplace is not just a question of personal comfort or well-being, but also an important issue in terms of health and efficiency.

Incorrect postures or inadequately adapted work equipment can lead to long-term health problems. The consequences can range from short-term complaints such as headaches and tension to long-term health problems such as poor posture and chronic pain.

Statistics confirm the importance of ergonomics:

• Health problems: According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of incapacity for work in Germany. These are often due to ergonomic problems in the workplace.
• Cost savings: The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work reports that companies can lose up to 27% of their productivity costs due to illnesses and injuries. An ergonomically well-designed workplace can help reduce these costs.
• Performance optimisation: Research by Washington State University shows that ergonomically correct office workstations can increase productivity by up to 20%.

Ergonomics is therefore a serious issue that has an impact on both individual health and the overall profitability of a company.

Ergonomically designed workstations not only reduce sick days, but also increase employee productivity and job satisfaction.

In the following sections, we will take a closer look at how you can design an ergonomic workplace.

How to design your workplace ergonomically: an overview of the basics

Ergonomics in the workplace starts with the basics. This involves designing and selecting furniture and equipment in such a way that you do not put unnecessary strain on your body. The following points provide a more detailed guide to optimising your working environment:

• Desk: An optimal desk is not only stable and large enough for your work tools, but also adjustable in height. The correct height is achieved when your forearms are at a right angle when typing on the keyboard and your shoulders are relaxed. There should also be enough space under the desk for your legs to sit comfortably.
• Chair: A high-quality, ergonomically designed chair is essential. It should have adjustable backrests, seats and armrests to optimally adapt to your body measurements. The backrest should support the natural curve of your spine and the armrests should be adjusted so that your shoulders are relaxed.
• Monitor: The position of the monitor is crucial for avoiding eye strain and neck pain. The monitor should be about an arm's length away and at eye level or slightly below. This prevents you from having to bend or stretch your neck to see the screen.
• Keyboard and mouse: Both should be operable without unnecessary strain on the hand and arm position. The keyboard should be set flat and the mouse should be close to it to avoid excessive arm or hand movements.
• Light: Good lighting, both natural and artificial, is essential to minimise eye strain. Glare and reflections on the screen should be avoided. Anti-screen glare or adjustable desk lamps, for example, can help here.

Another important measure to ensure ergonomics at the workplace is movement.

Expert tip: Apply the 20-20-20 rule by looking at a distance of at least 20 feet or 6 metres every 20 minutes to relax your eyes for 20 seconds.

Individual needs may vary, but these basics are a good starting point for creating a healthy and productive workplace. In our next section, we'll look at the benefits of electrically adjustable desk frames like the Linak Desk Frame 2.

Standing or sitting? The benefits of electrically adjustable desk frames

One of the more recent developments in the world of office ergonomics is electrically height-adjustable desks. They allow users to switch between sitting and standing, which has a number of health benefits. But why exactly are these adjustable desks so beneficial?

• Improving movement: Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Electrically adjustable desks allow you to change your position regularly, increasing physical activity while you work.
• Reduce back pain: Many studies have shown that alternating between sitting and standing positions can help reduce back pain and other musculoskeletal complaints.
• Increase productivity: Some studies have shown that regularly changing position, especially standing, can increase productivity and mental alertness.

Ergonomics in the workplace - the right desk frame

The centrepiece of an ergonomic workstation is an electrically height-adjustable desk frame. It forms the basis for gentle working - both when standing and sitting. Thanks to its numerous adjustment options, there are many options to meet the individual requirements of the user.

One specific product example is the Linak Desk Frame 2 from LinearDirect. This electrically height-adjustable desk frame is characterised by the following features:

• Easy assembly: The desk frame is designed to be easy to assemble, saving time and effort.
• Powerful central motor: The built-in central motor has a load capacity of up to 160 kg, which is more than sufficient for most office applications.
• Neat cable management: An integrated cable management system ensures a clearly organised work surface without tangled cables.
• Control element with display, memory and Bluetooth function: This feature allows the height of the table to be individually adjusted and memorised, and the Bluetooth function enables control via smartphone app.
• Speed and flexibility: The table frame offers a lifting speed of 40 mm/s and is height-adjustable from 65 to 125 cm - suitable for tables with a width of 120 to 200 cm.

The implementation of electrically adjustable desk frames such as the Linak Desk Frame 2 is therefore worth considering if you want to organise your workplace ergonomically. In the next section, you will find out how LinearDirect can help you to optimise your workstation.

From idea to realisation: how LinearDirect can help you design an ergonomic workstation

The correct design of an ergonomic workstation requires much more than just adjusting the height of the monitor or desk. It's about creating a working environment that meets the specific needs and requirements of the individual. This is where LinearDirect comes in.

We specialise in the distribution and wholesale of high quality electrical and mechanical industrial components, including electrically adjustable desk frames such as the Linak Desk Frame 2.

With over 20,000 successfully completed projects worldwide, LinearDirect has a wide range of solutions that are customised to the needs of each company or project.

Our range includes:

• Wide product range: From Linak lifting columns and drives to Baumeister & Schack lifting columns and TiMotion drive products, we offer a wide range of products that can contribute to the design of an ergonomic workplace.
• Modern drives and innovative software: LinearDirect offers state-of-the-art drive technologies for height-adjustable tables and workbenches. These drives are durable, quiet and powerful to ensure the smooth adjustment of your working environment. In addition, the Linak Desk Control control software provides a user-friendly interface to conveniently control the height adjustment of your work furniture via your PC or Mac. With reminder functions and target settings, the software supports a healthier way of working with more movement.
• Expertise and advice: The LinearDirect team is at your side with specialist knowledge and technical expertise. We will help you find the right products for your specific needs and support you in realising your vision.
• Repair service: In the event of a problem with a product, LinearDirect also offers a repair service. So you can be sure that you can benefit from your investment for a long time.
• Fast delivery: With a warehouse area of around 3,000 m² and daily despatch to the EU, Switzerland, USA and Canada, we are able to deliver products quickly and reliably wherever they are needed.

The credo of our company is: "Motorise your ideas". LinearDirect successfully puts this motto into practice with innovative solutions and expert advice.

Whether you are looking for a solution for your home office or for a large office building, we are your reliable partner when it comes to electrical industrial components and drive projects.

Ergonomics in the workplace is essential

An ergonomically designed workplace not only promotes the well-being and health of employees, but can also increase productivity and save costs.

• Importance of ergonomics: An ergonomic workplace can help to prevent health problems and promote the health and well-being of employees.
• The basics of ergonomics: This includes the correct adjustment of desk, chair and monitor, adequate lighting and regular breaks for exercise.
• Benefits of adjustable desks: They allow users to switch between sitting and standing and can improve movement, reduce back pain and increase productivity.
• LinearDirect: As a supplier of high quality electrical components, including electrically adjustable desks, LinearDirect offers a wide range of products and services to help you design your ergonomic workplace.

With this knowledge, you are well equipped to design or optimise your own workstation ergonomically. Remember that everyone is individual. What works perfectly for one person may not work for another.

It is therefore important to try out different options and listen to your body's signals.

Ergonomics in the workplace is an ongoing process. The more you learn about it and adapt, the more you will benefit. LinearDirect can help you make this process successful.

FAQ

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a science that aims to design the working environment to suit human needs and abilities. It should help to improve performance and prevent health problems.

How do you design an ergonomic workplace?

An ergonomic workplace is designed by adapting the working environment - including furniture and equipment - to the individual employee. The focus is on comfort, safety and efficiency.

What are the benefits of ergonomics in the workplace?

Ergonomics in the workplace can reduce health problems, increase productivity and improve the general well-being of employees. It can also save costs through fewer illnesses and injuries.

Why is workplace ergonomics important?

Ergonomics is important to reduce the risk of strain injuries and improve employee efficiency and satisfaction. It contributes to a healthy and productive working environment. Although there are still no clearly defined legal regulations on this, employees can claim an ergonomic workplace in certain cases.

What furniture can be used to improve ergonomics in the workplace?

Ergonomics in the workplace can be improved by using adjustable desk frames, ergonomic chairs, monitor stands and other aids. These should be adapted to the individual needs of each employee.

What is ergonomic working?

Ergonomic working means adapting the working environment to the employee in order to maximise comfort, efficiency and safety. This includes the correct positioning of furniture and equipment, regular movement breaks and the use of ergonomic aids.

Should you stand or sit while working?

Ideally, you should regularly alternate between sitting and standing while working. Electrically adjustable desks allow users to make these changes easily during the working day.