Staff wellbeing in the workplace

It is vital employers do all they can to ensure the work environment is safe and comfortable for employees. This is particularly important for office workers who spend hours sitting still and carrying out repetitive tasks. We know from a UK-wide survey* that 32% of people who work in offices experience physical pain at work at least once a week, with back pain reported as the most common physical problem (65%).  Harts of Maidstone recognizes the importance of good ergonomics by supplying office furniture which is manufactured with end users health and wellbeing in mind.

Research shows that employees who work within supportive environments where, for example, they are seated comfortably and ergonomically, are more likely to feel valued and less likely to suffer from emotional and physical problems that can result in absenteeism and reduced productivity.

A growing number of employers see a clear connection between supplying workers with ergonomic furniture and the wellbeing of their staff. Not only are they absent less, but they are also more productive. High levels of wellbeing mean that people are more able to respond to difficult circumstances, innovate, and constructively engage with other people and the world around them.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain are one of the biggest causes of sickness absence on any given day , and are estimated to cost society and employers around £7.4 billion a year . Provision of good quality, well designed office furniture is an essential factor in helping to avoid pain and discomfort at work.

But it does not stop there. By staff sitting and working  ergonomically in the office, they themselves are starting to see the connection between working comfortably and staying healthy. This means they are also investing in quality furniture and seating for the home which in turn benefits employers during the working day.

Employers can help this cycle not only by supplying quality furniture, but by making sure their staff are aware of how to use it most effectively. As they old saying goes...prevention is better than cure.

* Sources of surveys can be supplied upon request.