Introduction
Many people work in uncomfortable conditions or environments where they may develop physical health problems. For example, spending eight hours sitting behind a desk and looking at the computer monitor can lead to neck and back pain, while working as a nurse requires spending much time on one’s feet. As a result, the lack of accommodations may lead to discomfort and increased stress (Mork et al., 2020). To resolve this problem, workplaces can improve ergonomics – according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ([OSHA], 2023), ergonomics can be defined as “fitting a job to a person.” An ergonomic workspace helps employees avoid physical trauma and decrease workplace stress.
The Connection Between Physical Injury and Stress
First, it is necessary to establish a link between physical injury or discomfort and stress. The International Labor Organization argues that job stress develops when workers’ resources do not match the job’s demands (Molek-Winiarska & Molek-Kozakowska, 2020, p. 1309). In the case of physical health, it may be interpreted as the workplace’s demanding nature that leads to employees sacrificing their well-being to perform.
For instance, as many people work in offices, they face many health issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle, neck, and back pain, and eye strain. As the workers’ health declines, they are more likely to feel stressed in the workplace, being unable to perform or needing additional rest. Thus, physical comfort is one of the major factors affecting employees’ well-being, work quality, and workplace stress.
The Use of Ergonomics for Injury Prevention
Viewing the connection between physical well-being and stress, one may suggest using ergonomics to preserve workers’ health and prevent injuries or long-term adverse health outcomes. As noted previously, to create an ergonomic workplace, the employer has to review the job’s demands and see which elements may negatively impact workers’ health. In the office, one can implement such changes as ergonomic computer chairs, comfortable desks, and correct computer placement. Furthermore, companies can offer physical exercise classes and other initiatives to lower health risks (Molek-Winiarska & Molek-Kozakowska, 2020; Mork et al., 2020). Similarly, other workplaces should identify problems, encourage workers to communicate concerns and implement interventions to improve employees’ health.
The Benefits of Ergonomics for Physical and Mental Health
Ergonomics have been proven to positively impact workers’ well-being, prevent risks, reduce workplace stress, and improve productivity. This approach is considered a primary intervention as it investigates the causes of stress and aims to eliminate or reduce its effect (Molek-Winiarska & Molek-Kozakowska, 2020). Thus, it is also demanding financially and time-wise as an involved systemic solution.
Nevertheless, the impact of ergonomics on stress reduction is also significant, producing transparent results in improving workers’ health (Mork et al., 2020; OSHA, 2023). Some studies consider such prevention approaches to be the most effective for reducing stress among employees (Molek-Winiarska & Molek-Kozakowska, 2020; Sohrabi & Babamiri, 2022). Researchers find a connection between ergonomics and increased productivity, resulting from workers’ better preparedness and job satisfaction (Sohrabi & Babamiri, 2022). Overall, ergonomics is a great solution to providing workers with a comfortable workplace.
Conclusion
To conclude, workplace comfort plays a significant role in workers’ physical and mental health. Stress may occur due to various factors, including a physically demanding or draining job that creates health risks. To solve this issue, workplaces can consider ergonomics – the process of adjusting the workplace environment to reduce the risk of physical injury and discomfort. The link between physical health, comfort, stress, and job performance is well-researched in the literature, presenting ergonomics as one of the most effective solutions.
References
Molek-Winiarska, D., & Molek-Kozakowska, K. (2020). Are organizations committed to stress management interventions? Employee Relations: The International Journal, 42(6), 1309-1325. Web.
Mork, R., Falkenberg, H. K., Fostervold, K. I., & Thorud, H. M. S. (2020). Discomfort glare and psychological stress during computer work: Subjective responses and associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 93, 29-42. Web.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2023). Ergonomics. Web.
Sohrabi, M. S., & Babamiri, M. (2022). Effectiveness of an ergonomics training program on musculoskeletal disorders, job stress, quality of work-life and productivity in office workers: A quasi-randomized control trial study. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 28(3), 1664-1671. Web.