Ask an Expert

What I can't understand is that with sick days, some being due to joint and back pain, costing employers millions every year resulting in less money being spent ensuring that the office furniture used is ergonomically correct.  This would ensure that back and joint pain caused from poor posture is kept to a minimum. Poor posture is one of the main causes of back and joint problems in people working in offices.  The same goes for receptionist working behind a poorly designed reception counter , being the wrong height to offer the correct support for example.

At an interview, an employer might ask a potential employee what they can offer the employer, but in terms of comfort at work what can the employer offer the employee.  Often it is hours of discomfort and back problem, a fair trade for hard work? I think not. The thing is, it does not have to cost the employer the world to equip his office with suitable office furniture . There are many suppliers out there who offer an ergonomic alternative.

You wouldn't expect much productivity with out of date software so why, when we now know significantly more about ergonomic office chairs than ever, do employers expect the same level of productivity from employees working with poorly designed office furniture.  You will often notice that the employers chairs and office furniture is far above the standard of lower level employees.  Employers obviously feel that if they are comfortable both physically and in their environment then they, themselves are better worker, so why is it that they do not extend this same level of comfort to their employees? 

Going back to poor posture and being uncomfortable or in pain, I know from personal experience how difficult in is to concentrate when you are suffering from back pain.  How can the employee expected to focus and perform at a suitable standard when all they can think about is how uncomfortable they are? 

Often it is down to the fact that the employers have the misconception that buying in new office furniture will cost the earth, which doesn't have to be the case. There are plenty of retailers both online and on the high street that can offer affordable, stylish and ergonomically correct office chair .  Even if the employer is not concerned with the comfort of their employees, a poorly designed office with shabby furniture and a drab looking reception counter is hardly sending a good message to potential clients. 

These days there is no excuse for a dim, out of date office, the benefits to everyone involved speak for themselves and if you are at a loss as to where to start speak to your local retailer who will be only happy to offer advise regarding all aspects of up dating your working environment.

Im a 16 year old who has just left school. I work for my dad in web design and we are currently working on office" target="_blank">www.niodonline">office furniture and how it has an effect on people.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sick Days at Work