The objective when making any type of purchase is to maximize the return on your investment. When purchasing office or home office furniture, companies that specialize in office ergonomics help you achieve this goal in a variety of ways -
1. Fitting the product to the person instead of the person to the product They possess the knowledge to determine the ideal product and layout for the individual, thus reducing fatigue and improving performance.
2. Workplace assessments and product evaluations In many instances at no cost to the client they will provide product evaluations and general workplace assessments. (Note: Medical Assessments should be provided by an occupational therapist.) Every individual is unique and the goal is to maximize employee well being and comfort which will make them more productive. This is a combination of art, creativity and science.
3. Their knowledge transcends beyond furniture They will provide the optimal total workplace solution consisting of office furniture as well as accessories such as keyboard trays, monitor arms, foot rests and more that work in unison with your hardware requirements so youre ready to go - immediately. Some even specialize in sit to stand desk solutions with the ability to customize work surfaces in tight or hard to fit spaces. Check out Jaymil Ergo and Office Solutions Sit to Stand Desk Solution Center.
4. After the sale training and support The most important part of their job begins where other suppliers ends. Once the equipment is installed, they provide the training to the individual in how to properly utilize and position their office furniture and accessories to maximize your return on investment.
5. Saves you money Case studies show that incorporating proper office ergonomics can increase your bottom line by improving worker productivity and minimizing potential workplace injuries. For example, did you know -
As reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, common pain conditions are having an adverse impact on productivity. Researchers found that lost productive time due to back pain, headache, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal discomfort was costing US companies an estimated $61.2 billion per year.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) now account for more than one-third of all occupational illnesses and injuries, and constitute the largest job-related illness and injury problem in the US today.
o Employers reported a total of 487,900 lost workdays in 2002 (need current info) due to work-related MSDs, representing nearly 50% of all lost work days.
o On top of these productivity costs, employers pay out approximately $20 billion annually.
6. Improving Your Return on Investment Traditional office furniture can be purchased from these companies at identical prices as those found at other furniture dealers. The added benefit of working with a furniture dealer with an office ergonomics focus is their ability to make additional suggestions to enhance the end users workplace allowing them to work more comfortably with less fatigue while at work or in their home office.
The cost of equipment such as keyboard trays, monitor arms or sit to stand desks is minimal when measured against the benefit this equipment provides should it be warranted. A company knowledgeable in office ergonomics can consult with you to determine if in fact these types of solutions may be necessary and if they have a try before you buy policy, you have virtually nothing to lose by exploring this option. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Mike Kind is a partner in Jaymil Ergo & Office Solutions. Jaymil is a national leader and industry pioneer in workspace ergonomics including custom solutions of workspace <
ergonomic products. They provide documented, value added benefits to a diverse client base by employing a hands on, customized approach in creating workplace environment solutions. He can be reached by e-mail mkind@jaymil.com or by phone at 603-629-9995.