Small businesses really feel the impact of absenteeism.Especially at economically uncertain times like these, just one missing - oreven underperforming - worker in small company can be catastrophic.
"With the huge costs associated with recruiting and trainingstaff, small businesses in particular can ill afford to lose employees to badbacks," said Jorgen Josefsson, managing director of ergonomic seating companyRH Chairs. "Many individual workloads are specialised, and are often as likelyto pile up unattended while an individual is on sick leave.
RH Chairs offers the following tips on how to make get theright ergonomic setup for your business:
Rules and regulations
The same risk assessments must be carried out for aworkplace of 10 as for 10,000. Furniture appropriate to the task must besourced and correct training in its usage supplied. The threat of litigationfrom any injured employee should be a big motivator to any manager hoping tocut corners or costs during the installation process. Investment in the firstinstance could avoid future payouts in the long term.
Get the knowledge
As well sourcing the appropriate furniture, ensuring staffknowledge in how to use the products that they use individually will allow themto perform better and lead a healthier working life. Particularly in the casesof individuals that spend up to 10 hours a day in a chair, this equals goodbusiness sense and profit protection.
Worker wellbeing
It's also important to recognise the importance of acompany's working environment as a contributor to its success andprofitability. This means ensuring worker wellbeing via the sourcing ofappropriately designed furnishings that promote healthy and correct usage, plusthe incorporation of aesthetic ‘feelgood' elements such as natural lights andgreenery.
Mix it up
Don't be afraid to mix things up to keep workers interested.Research has shown that worker productivity drops when required to remain inone static position for the duration of the working day.
While everyone knows about breakout areas or informalmeeting rooms, smaller premises can still accommodate alternatives to desks andtask chairs. One benefit will be improved cross-corporation communication ascompared to constant faceless emailing. In the cases of workers required toremain at their desk for longer, movement while sitting should be encouraged,to improve circulation and energy levels.
Recognise individuality
Workers range dramatically in size and shapes and ifyour company doesn't cater to this it instantly limits itself in how it canfunction effectively. Ensure that any member of your workforce can becomfortably accommodated by the furniture in any area of your workplace, and byfreeing them from their desk when it's appropriate, you will reap the benefitsin terms of efficiency and productivity.
