Investing in ergonomics can greatly benefit companies, allowing them to save money and improve employee well-being, morale and productivity. 

In this blog, we will break down 10 ways ergonomics can improve your bottom line!

1. Reduce Absenteeism

Employees experiencing discomfort and injury is one of the predominant causes of absenteeism and sick leave.

Back and wrist pain are some of the most common complaints among office workers.

These injuries occur often due to using poor equipment, like traditional mice, or chairs with subpar back support or no armrests.

In Ireland, 14 million days are lost each year due to absence and ill health in the workforce, 50% of these are attributable to MSDs. 

This costs Ireland €750m annually and 7 million days in absenteeism.

Implementing an ergonomics strategy with proper equipment throughout your business can help mitigate the risk of these issues occurring.

This results in substantial savings for your business as the number of days missed by employees will be reduced.

2. Increase Productivity

Employees perform at their best when they are working comfortably. 

Ergonomic equipment can help improve workplace efficiency and drive employee performance.

An example of this is the use of a standing desk, which is perfect for shaking off that feeling of fatigue we get during the workday.

Reducing the time and resources it takes for employees to complete tasks helps increase the company's savings and improve employee output. 

3. Decrease Workplace Injuries

Implementing an ergonomic strategy with quality products can help significantly reduce the risk of employees developing injuries.

The most common injuries among office workers include RSI, shoulder pain, back pain and other various musculoskeletal disorders.

These issues can be resolved with proper ergonomic assessments and the implementation of ergonomic equipment.

If you want to learn more about workplace injuries and how to mitigate them, check out our blog on preventing workplace pain.

4. Reduce Employee Turnover

Recruitment and training of new employees can be very costly processes for companies.

Retaining employees is another challenge in itself, but ergonomics can help make that a bit easier.

Employees who are comfortable, healthy and feel safe in their work environment are more likely to stay with their employe

If you're curious about signs your employees may be feeling unwell in their work environment, our blog on The Hidden Health Costs Of Office Work is worth checking out!

Employers can effectively reduce employee turnover by investing in ergonomics, offsetting recruitment and training costs.

5. Capital Expenditure

Companies may be eligible for tax deductions or depreciation over time for the cost of ergonomic equipment or facilities.

Companies need to consult with their tax advisors to understand the specific tax implications of their ergonomic-related capital expenditure.

6. Reduce Legal Liability

It is a legal requirement for an employer to provide a safe and healthy workplace for its staff, failure to do so can result in legal liability for companies.

Implementing an ergonomic strategy can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries and the associated legal claims made by employees, saving the company money in legal fees and settlements.

If you are worried about your legal compliance, and if your company could be at risk, talk to one of our Workplace Experts Today! 

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7. Reduce Presenteeism

What Is Presenteeism?

Presenteeism describes the phenomenon of employees being physically present at work but not effectively engaging with their tasks or working productively.

This problem arises often because of employee health concerns or other issues.

Investing in ergonomics can help to reduce presenteeism in your workplace by promoting better health and well-being, reducing pain and discomfort.

This can help to improve employee engagement and productivity, which helps to drive cost savings for the company.

8. 4x - 10x Return on Investment

Studies have shown that a median ROI of €4 for every €1 invested in ergonomic solutions. 

This stems from reductions in workers' compensation costs and lost workdays due to injuries brought on by poor equipment.

The benefits of investing in ergonomics are clear, significant cost savings, improved productivity and increased employee satisfaction and engagement.

9. Enhance Brand Reputation

Investing in ergonomics is an investment in your employee's well-being.

By demonstrating your commitment to employee health and safety, you can enhance your brand's reputation in the eyes of the consumer.

This can have further positive effects, such as positive publicity and increased customer and staff loyalty, which further results in cost savings from reduced marketing and advertising expenses. 

10. Increase Employee Innovation

Happy employees are significantly more productive than their unhappy counterparts.

By creating a comfortable and supportive work environment with ergonomics, you can encourage innovation and creativity in your workforce.

This helps to save money by improving the overall product development cycle and creating a faster time to market.

Summary

Hopefully, this guide has opened your eyes to ergonomics' many benefits for employers and employees.

If you want to look into getting an ergonomic assessment for yourself or an employee, need high-quality ergonomic equipment, or are still unsure where to start with ergonomics, we can help!

Why not reach out and talk to an expert, and get a free downloadable poster while you're at it?