If you know that health and safety at work is important in your business then you have no doubt heard of ergonomics. Ergonomics is the study of people and their relationship to the environment in which they work. The use of ergonomics is designed to minimise workers’ discomfort brought on by sitting most of the day, and to reduce worker fatigue. When companies buy office furniture that is designed on ergonomic principles it can help to eliminate or at least reduce stress from repetitive movement such as that involved in working with a computer. Studies suggest that absenteeism is reduced and productivity improved when the workspace, lighting and equipment are designed to reduce worker discomfort.

Refurbishing your office according to ergonomic principles could pay dividends in terms of staff morale and performance. When people are comfortable at work they are less likely to take time off with back problems and more likely to work better while they are in the office. Investing some of your working capital in the right kind of office desks and chairs may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could easily be repaid by the change in staff morale and an increase in productivity.