Did you know office desks have been found to be 400 times dirtier than a toilet seat? No wonder germs spread so fast at work. With cold and flu season upon us, it is more important than ever that we put a conscious effort into keeping germs out of the office and promoting a healthier working environment.
COPA recently shared this infographic on their blog with interesting facts about workplace cleanliness and a checklist for office cleaning.
“Rona, how can you work like that?” Marsha asks, peering into my office.
“What do you mean?” I just tidied my office last week so it can’t be the usual clutter she is referring to.
“Sitting at the edge of your chair like that, all hunched over to read the screen.”
I sit back and straighten up. She’s right. The neck cramps were just starting to kick in. “Ah, bad habit,” I reply.
She smiles at me sympathetically. “May I come in?”
“Sure, of course.” I wave her in. It’s not like I was having a productive morning anyway.
“I’ve been doing some research on office ergonomics,” Marsha begins. “I learned body posture has a significant impact on quality of work.”
Makes sense. I nod, encouraging her to continue. Marsha always comes up with these great ideas for improving our workplace. I wonder what she has up her sleeve this time.
“The most important solution is to take short breaks every 30 minutes,” she continues.
“Did Andy put you up to this?” I joke. It sounds like a classic Andy move – finding any excuse to get out of a full day of work.
“I know it sounds a bit crazy, but getting away from your desk periodically can actually improve productivity,” Marsha explains. “And that’s not all. There are also a number of products that are designed to improve your health when sitting at a desk all day.”
She sets this month’s Office Plus flyer on my desk and turns to page 2.
“See these Footrests?” She asks. “There’s also the Fellowes Mesh Backrest and Adjustable Keyboard Tray,” she says, pointing to each product.
I nod, feeling the pressure in my back begin to subside just thinking about it.
“This is what you need,” Marsha says, pointing to the Corner Monitor Riser. “It elevates your monitor to eye level. So no more hunching.”
“Marsha, this is fantastic. Let’s make an order and get all employees on the same page here.”
A wide grin spreads across Marsha’s cheeks. “I’m on it!” She says, hurrying out the door in excitement.
I look back at my computer screen, adjusting my chair to the proper height and pulling my shoulders back in efforts to fix my posture. It’s hard to do without the proper furniture and supplies.
Alright, 30 minutes until my next break, I smile to myself. Better make them productive.
How much of your work day is spent sitting at a desk, staring at a computer screen? We’re willing to bet that’s what you’re doing right now. If so, what does your posture look like?
Improper seating can lead to serious health issues, including Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) – a back problem that develops over time and can have a major impact on your well-being.
It also causes a number of short-term issues, and affects the way you work. Employee performance is impacted in a number of ways – and ergonomics is a key influencer on your quality of work.
This Office Canada newsletter shares some small improvements you can make to your office – from the way you are sitting to the lighting in the room – to improve workplace productivity.
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