When it’s time to shop for new office furniture, you probably focus on these items:
- price
- durability
- practictality, and
- appearance.
Don’t forget ergonomics.
More and more companies are going the extra mile with ergonomic chairs and work stations to boost employees’ health and reduce costly injuries.
The good news is, office furniture manufacturers are all in the ergo game now. Facilities aren’t paying through the nose for added comfort like they were a few years ago.
Here are four things to think about before taking the plunge:
1. Get opinions first
You can’t please everybody, but you can please the majority of people if you know what they want ahead of time.
Survey employees in writing (via email, company intranet) on what they want.
Keep tabs on individual requests, such as standing desks, which most people won’t ask for.
2. Know what works
According to a survey by WorkRite Ergonomics:
- 82% of people prefer a slightly angled keyboard surface
- 92% want the option to make minor height adjustments to their work stations
- 57% prefer to stand and work at least part of the day, and
- 62% leave their work stations at least five times a day to stretch their legs.
On that last point: People can stand and work at a desktop height of 28 inches, on average.
3. Mobility matters
Redesigns are a fact of life in many workplaces, so consider mobility.
For example: Can Facilities staffers break down work stations and desks quickly and easily?
4. Opt for minimal training
Some amount of ergo training may be necessary. But people shouldn’t have to dramatically change how they work.
Have vendors bring demos on site so people can test furniture. If you hear comments like, “It’s too comfortable,” that’s a clue people may not adapt easily.
