National Stress Awareness Month - Ergonomics can reduce stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month. The aim is to raise awareness of the negative effects of stress on individuals’ mental and physical health and to provide information on tools and resources to manage stress. An effective external strategy for reducing stress in the workplace is through the implementation of ergonomic office solutions.

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can lead to negative affect ones health, such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress alone costs U.S. employers an estimated $300 billion per year in absenteeism, turnover, and reduced productivity.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workspaces, tools, and equipment to optimize human performance and reduce the risk of injury and illness. Ergonomic solutions in the workplace can help reduce physical and mental stressors and improve overall well-being. Below are examples of how ergonomics can reduce stress:

• Reduce physical strain: Ergonomic solutions such as adjustable desks, chairs, and monitor stands can help reduce physical strain and discomfort caused by poor posture and repetitive movements. By reducing physical strain, employees may experience less physical fatigue and discomfort, which can contribute to reduced stress levels.
• Improve job satisfaction: Ergonomic solutions that improve the physical workspace can also improve job satisfaction. For example, providing comfortable seating and adequate lighting can create a more pleasant work environment, which may reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction.
• Increase productivity: Ergonomic solutions that reduce physical discomfort and fatigue can also lead to increased productivity. Employees who are more comfortable and less fatigued are likely to be more focused and productive, which can lead to reduced stress levels.
• Provide training: Providing training on ergonomic principles and proper workplace practices can help employees understand how to work safely and effectively. This can lead to increased confidence and a sense of control over one's work environment, which may reduce stress levels.

Employees spend most of their working life at their workplace. By implementing ergonomic solutions in the workspace, employers can help improve employees’ job satisfaction and reduce their stress levels.

National Stress Awareness Month provides an opportunity for companies to assess their workspaces and encourages employers to create a more ergonomic working environment.

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References:

Bergqvist, U., & Wolgast, E. (1995). Ergonomic perspectives on work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics, 38(5), 975-986. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139508925203

Robertson, M. M., & Huang, Y. H. (2015). The relationship between workstation ergonomic factors and the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. Work, 50(2), 269-279. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-141861

Tullar, J. M., Brewer, S., Amick III, B. C., Irvin, E., Mahood, Q., Pompeii, L. A., & Cullen, K. (2010). Occupational safety and health interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the health care sector. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20(2), 199-219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-009-9215-8

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2013). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/

American Psychological Association (APA). (2019). Stress in America?: Stress and current events. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report

Cakir, M., & Naktiyok, A. (2012). Evaluation of physical ergonomic factors causing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive assembly industry. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 42(3), 280-290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2012.01.003

Jansen, J. P., & Burdorf, A. (2004). Effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention on psychosocial risk factors for low back pain. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(7), 544-551. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.2003.011478