Ergonomics is based on the study of how natural laws (like gravity and force) affect the human body while it is performing work. Every human has a unique body. Sitting puts almost 40% more pressure on the discs in our low back that standing so logically we want to look at how we can reduce forces on the body while sitting at a desk. But people are dynamic. Their mood affects tension in the body more than a low back support. Feeling too cool or too hot, feeling annoyed, squinting from poor lighting or noise all creates a lot of tension in the body. Some people thrive in noise and low light. Others need a lamp and ear plugs.

We also have to consider a person’s job tasks (phone, typing, writing, reading, etc.), the person’s personal tendencies (restless or slouchy?) and the psychosocial environment (next to the boss’ office or the air conditioning vent?). In other words, we need to go back to the basics: what makes us comfortable, physically and mentally, and how to we create that in our workspace so we can be productive and healthy, benefiting employer and employee mutually.

A “Holistic Ergonomic Consultation” is a low cost investment that will improve employee productivity, reduce absenteeism and requests for better and more costly equipment. The consultation consists of an analysis of how a person sits in relation to their workstation and their tasks (the angles of shoulders, wrists, and hips; height of the monitor and keyboard; and curves in the spine). Then the consultant will take the psychosocial factors into account and propose solutions that are acceptable to everyone. Most of the time, the recommendations from a “Holistic Ergonomic Consultant” are low cost, quick and easy to implement…..less than that “ergonomic chair” everyone wants!