The word "ergonomics" plays a major role in the workplace – especially in sedentary jobs and office environments. But what exactly is ergonomics? What are its benefits? And what dangers does working without movement pose? Here you'll find detailed answers to these important questions.
Simply explained: The importance of ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of human work and aims to adapt the work environment to human needs. This is intended to create healthy working conditions, reduce strain, and increase productivity. An ergonomically designed workplace improves well-being and increases efficiency.
What is ergonomics? A definition
Ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to human needs. The term derives from the Greek words "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (law) – thus, ergonomics means "law of work." The goal of ergonomics is to design workplaces in such a way that they optimally support the physical and mental demands of people. This aims to minimize health risks and increase efficiency.
What is the goal of ergonomics?
Ergonomics aims to minimize health risks while simultaneously increasing productivity. An ergonomic workplace reduces absenteeism, boosts employee satisfaction, and thus contributes to the long-term success of companies. Furthermore, an ergonomic design leads to less stress and fatigue at work – you feel fitter and more motivated throughout the day.
What types of ergonomics are there?
There are different types of ergonomics that relate to different aspects of the work environment:
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Physical ergonomics : This field focuses on the human body and how workplaces can be designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Examples include ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, and well-placed equipment.
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Cognitive ergonomics : This focuses on mental workload. This type of ergonomics deals with how information is processed in order to minimize errors and promote concentration. An example of this is an ergonomically designed computer workstation with eye-friendly lighting.
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Organizational ergonomics : This focuses on optimizing workflows and working time arrangements. The goal is to design the workflow in such a way as to reduce strain and stress.
Ergonomics is particularly important in industry. The Aeris Muvman Industry, for example, is specifically designed for standing work at production workstations.
What does the international standard DIN ISO 9241-11 state?
DIN ISO 9241-11 is an international standard that deals with the usability of workplaces and systems. It specifies how work environments should be designed to ensure effectiveness , efficiency , and user satisfaction .
The standard focuses on:
- Effectiveness : Work tools should be designed so that users can easily achieve their goals.
- Efficiency : The effort and time required to complete tasks should be as low as possible.
- Satisfaction : The work environment must be pleasant and user-friendly to promote long-term health and productivity.
Aeris adheres to established standards such as DIN ISO 9241-11, but goes beyond them. While standards provide important foundations for ergonomic design, we place particular emphasis on dynamic movement and the individual customization of our products.
Instead of adhering to rigid specifications such as standardized seat heights or distance measurements, Aeris office furniture focuses on freedom of movement and flexibility to meet the body's natural needs. Our philosophy: People don't adapt to standards – the workplace adapts to people .
An example of office ergonomics
A typical example of ergonomics in the office is the use of a height-adjustable desk in combination with an ergonomic chair. Imagine working at a regular desk that is neither height-adjustable nor adapted to your height. After a few hours, your shoulders will start to ache, your back will become stiff, and your concentration will suffer.
Now for the difference: You switch to a height-adjustable desk and an ergonomic office chair. You can work sitting or standing, adjust the chair to your individual needs, and your body stays in motion. The result? Back pain is avoided, your posture improves, and you feel fresher and more focused.
Why is ergonomics so important?
Prolonged sitting, rigid postures, and poorly designed workstations frequently lead to ailments such as back pain, tension, and headaches. These problems are widespread and among the most common causes of absenteeism from work. There's even a saying: "Sitting is the new smoking." Too much sitting without movement increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Ergonomic workplaces counteract these problems by keeping the body in motion, promoting a healthy posture, and reducing the long-term risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. reduce.
Tip: In this article, we explain ergonomic workplace design in the office and what criteria you should pay attention to.
Modern ergonomics promotes movement in the workplace. Frequent changes between sitting and standing are very important. The Aeris Muvman provides excellent support for prolonged standing.
Sitting for hours without ergonomics and movement: The health consequences
1. Reduced proprioception
Prolonged sitting without movement causes the proprioceptors, which are responsible for deep sensation, to atrophy. This leads to impaired motor skills, as the sensors in the muscles send fewer impulses.
2. Poor stress reduction and elevated blood pressure
Exercise helps reduce stress by lowering adrenaline levels. Without exercise, stress remains in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure and health problems in the long term.
3. Reduced attention and fatigue
Lack of exercise leads to faster fatigue and reduced concentration. Regular exercise during work keeps mind and body alert and noticeably reduces the error rate.
Good to know: A study from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has shown that brain activity is significantly higher when one is "sitting in motion". This movement increases the activity of the brain, muscles, and breathing.
4. Higher risk of injury
Exercising after a sedentary day at the office increases the risk of injury. Regular exercise in everyday life strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments and prevents injuries.
5. Faster aging process
Lack of exercise slows down cell regeneration, thus accelerating the aging process. Exercise promotes cell renewal and keeps you younger and more vital for longer.
Interesting fact: It is estimated that around four million new cells are formed in the body every second. These are primarily blood, intestinal, and skin cells. Our body is thus constantly renewed.
Scientifically proven: Better blood values thanks to workplace ergonomics
An Australian study with 4,800 participants examined blood values after a typical workday. Employees with a standard office workstation were compared to those whose workstations were ergonomically designed so that they moved slightly throughout the day.
The following groups were divided:
- Group 1: Typical office workers who did not move around the office during the day.
- Group 2: Typical office workers who did not move around in the office during the day, but exercised two to three times a week in the evenings.
- Group 3: Typical office workers who moved around lightly in the office during the day but did not do any sport.
As expected, the analysis revealed that Group 1 had the worst blood test results. Surprisingly, however, the blood test results of Groups 2 and 3 were equally good. Even light exercise during the day was sufficient for Group 3 to bring their blood test results up to the level of the group that exercised several times a week. This doesn't mean you should forgo exercise in your free time. But: Ergonomics helps you stay fitter, more active, and healthier in everyday life.
Improved performance, prevention of back pain, and a reduced risk of developing lifestyle diseases. Modern ergonomics offers many advantages.
The advantages of ergonomics at a glance
An ergonomically designed workplace offers numerous advantages for both health and productivity:
- Reduction of musculoskeletal disorders : Ergonomic furniture helps to avoid typical complaints such as back pain, neck pain and tension.
- Improved concentration and productivity : More movement during the workday keeps your mind more alert and allows you to concentrate for longer.
- Less stress and fatigue : Regular exercise helps to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
- Stay healthy and fit for longer : Exercise stimulates cell renewal and ensures that you feel fit and vital for longer.
- Increased performance : Healthy employees are more motivated and productive – this improves the quality of work and reduces absenteeism.
Tip: You can find the content described in this article in detail in the book Active Office – The Workplace as a Space for Movement.
Conclusion: Ergonomics – Your key to better health and productivity
Ergonomics is a fundamental requirement for health and productivity. Proper workplace design keeps you fit, increases performance, and promotes long-term well-being – both in the office and at home.
