Ergonomics Helps Improve Organization Productivity

Transcription

1 Ergonomics Helps Improve Organization Productivity Godrej Interio has been promoting the need for ergonomics awareness, study, analysis and the need for appropriate action through various Wellness initiatives. This paper aims to share the result of a recently concluded Ergonomics & Wellness engagement at an organization - with direct and conclusive proof of increase in comfort and productivity of employees by 15%. Wellness@work is a Godrej Interio initiative committed to helping improve the health of employees in modern workspaces. Godrej Interio Ergonomics Cell wellness@godrej.com P a g e 1

2 Background In October 2012, Godrej Interio (GI) published a white paper titled, Health Challenges in Evolving Offices. The paper essentially addressed the key factors impacting the wellness and productivity of staff: with office furniture playing a key role. Godrej Interio Ergonomics Cell team conducted an ergonomic audit at Linfox, followed by a deeper root-cause analysis and also recommended actionable solutions. The paper underlined the fact that most offices today were operating with furniture that is mismatched to the new age with its highly networked work culture that exists in offices today. This has resulted in an alarming ~ 71% of employees suffering from a rapidly spreading office illness: Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSDs). The findings of the white paper were sourced through a Survey conducted by GI across corporate locations in various industries, with employee groups having differing work profiles. Survey of the employees revealed following details: ~71% employees confirmed to be suffering from pain / discomfort during working Incidence of pain / discomfort in specific areas was as below: Lower back (36%) Upper back, Neck & Shoulders (62%) Eyes (37%) Wrist (31%) Lower Leg (15%) The Research Paper stated that while raising awareness among employees may be the first step forward; doing a deeper root-cause analysis and finding constructive and individually actionable solutions is the need of the hour. The core idea of this white paper has been part of GI s discussions with the organizations it interacts and engages with during the many Wellnessrelated ground level activations done. wellness@godrej.com P a g e 2

3 The New Office Illness MSD! MSD or Musculoskeletal Disorders are characterized by worn out tendons, muscles, joints & nerve tissues; which are the result of repeated use over an extended period of time leading to: Pain, Numbness, Tingling, Burning, Cramping, and Stiffness Linfox: affected by MSD In response to this White Paper, Linfox Logistics (India operations) contacted the GI Ergonomics Cell team to better understand the concepts discussed. Linfox is Australia s largest privately-owned logisitics company, having an extensive Supply Chain Solutions service network across Asia Pacific. Like most offices today, Linfox handles huge amounts of data, is extremely well-networked all implying that its employees spend long, continuous hours seated in front of the computers. The white paper study brought the employee concerns of physical discomfort to the fore for the Linfox HR team. As part of the Wellness discussions with the GI Ergonomics Cell team, Linfox decided to investigate the possible cause of back- and neck aches which were common amongst its employees. The initial study conducted by the GI team revealed that ~80% of Linfox employees complained about physical discomfort as against the already high average of ~71%. (The acceptable norm for employees complaints is 20%. Anything above that needs to be addressed by the organization to prevent long term physical ailments and problems in members of staff.) Accordingly, Linfox commissioned a comprehensive ergonomics intervention program for its employees, spread over 3 months. It encompassed: wellness@godrej.com P a g e 3

4 GI Ergonomics Cell team recommended specific changes in infrastructure as per individual needs and work profiles. Pointers for ergonomic seating and posture ERGONOMIC AUDIT Employee Work Pattern & Work Desk Interaction Audit: - Work Pattern Understanding - Furniture evaluation (Chair, Working Table, Computer / Laptop) - Furniture adjustment (To fit user / meet user requirement) As part of the audit, the GI team analyzed the incompatibility in infrastructure & nature of work as the key cause of discomfort in the workspace RECOMMENDATIONS Aimed to cover and establish the following: - Fit of furniture to the employee work profile - Improvement / changes required in the existing set-up to improve employee productivity. Following an interaction with the staff, GI Ergonomics Cell team recommended specific changes in infrastructure as per individual needs and work profiles. The physical needs of individuals were also taken into consideration while recommending suitable ergonomic seating options. These solutions were aimed at reducing the discomfort of the employees. Make sure your chair lets you bend your knees at 90 degrees to your thighs and allows you to place your feet flat on the floor while you work. Ergonomic Chairs recommended One of the key recommendations offered by GI team was ergonomic chairs for the Linfox employees; in light of the fact that they spent long hours working at their tables. Such work profiles need chairs that support the lower back at all times, have adjustable armrests and height. Further, the GI team also advised Linfox employees on issues of seat & desk management : simple dos and don ts that ensure comfortable and easy working at the table, minus un-ergonomic stretches, twists, tilts and pulls at the table. Linfox Implemented Recommendations Linfox procured the suggested Ergonomic Chairs & made necessary changes in the furniture as per the advice of the GI team. wellness@godrej.com P a g e 4

5 ACTIVITIES INITIATED TO MAXIMIZE INVESTMENT IN RODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT A workshop was conducted by GI Ergonomics Cell team where experts highlighted the common errors most people make while working for long hours at their tables. 1. Ergonomics Awareness workshops The objective of these workshops was to spread awareness about changing office trends, correct ergonomic postures to be adopted at workplace, office yoga tips & techniques to improve efficiency in offices. During the course of the workshop, Dr. Reena Valecha of GI team also taught some key stretching and relaxation exercises to the participants, while highlighting the need to take a regular break from the static pose one is expected to sit in while using the computer. 2. Weekly Wellness Tips To keep the Wellness tips top of mind after the workshop, Linfox subscribed to the weekly wellness tips er from Godrej Interio and it circulated the same to its entire team. The purpose of this weekly er was to constantly remind the receivers of the need to develop correct seating and working habits. wellness@godrej.com P a g e 5

6 Godrej Interio Team conducted a Post investment AUDIT after a period of 3 months to access the impact of installation of New Ergonomic Chairs, Employee Wellness Workshops and Wellness Tips reinforcement Quote from Linfox : For any change in culture you need someone who is passionate, focused & more than anything a Go-Getter especially when the chips are down. Why on earth did we not think of being associated with Wellness at Work: for all these years when we proudly proclaim of caring for our employees. Godrej is no doubt a Great Company and will for sure be pioneers in being named as a caring company with initiative like wellness at Work John Mathews (National Manager HR & HSE) Linfox Logistics (India) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India For any further input on this White Paper, please feel free to get in touch with our Ergonomics Cell at wellness@godrej.com or call us on / 2468 / wellness@godrej.com P a g e 6