The debate over how we work in places like offices in the future is raging. Should team members work from home, or back in the office, or a mixture of both to meet the preferences of the business and its staff? And when to implement change? Many larger businesses and SMEs / micro-enterprises are suggesting that September 2021 is the time for the ‘new norm’ to resume, hopefully with the kids back at school and distractions out of the way.
Sweating the business assets
We are aware that many employers have also been assessing their workspaces to see if overall office space can be reduced or used more purposefully to help profit margins. ‘Sweating the assets’, as it is sometimes known in business circles. Clearly, getting the best out of the team and enhancing well-being work hand in hand looking forward. Assessing workspace areas for the team is going to become ever more vital as we all return to whatever normality looks like, with a mixture of flexibility thrown in.
Our ‘Lifernomics’ programme
This is where workstation and workspace assessments of positioning and seating can really help in optimising workspaces to be as effective as possible. We call this our ‘Lifernomics’ programme, where Life Made Simple Physiotherapy can help with the ergonomics of planning workstation comfort, effectiveness and wellbeing! Sure, it’s a strange word, but we love it!
What’s important & what to look out for?
Most people are aware these days that posture and proper equipment are really important in maintaining the health of your muscles and frame as you sit and work; however, it’s clear from our engagement with clients that not everybody is able to achieve this, particularly if you don’t have a permanent working-from-home base or are hot-desking at work. ‘Desk-it-is’, as one of our clients nicknamed it, is a real and increasing issue for many individuals and it can have a lasting impact.
Some of the main risks of desk-based working are neck and back pain and higher stress levels. In addition, productivity may suffer if an individual is in discomfort and unnecessarily stressed. Workstation assessments take into account the workstation itself, the wider office and the role of the individual to help improve comfort and reduce the risks associated with desk-based work. Solutions may be as simple as a different style of mouse, wrist or arm supports, improved posture or a screen stand, as examples. It’s a win-win situation – employees are comfortable in their working position, productivity is maintained and the threat of future litigation against the company for long-term damage to health is reduced.
Speak to us for your ‘Lifernomics’ programme
So, if your business is in the planning process of returning to normality and is looking for some ‘Lifernomics’ to help the team’s return, speak to Lucy Blick at Life Made Simple Physiotherapy soon.
Contact Us
We look forward to helping you with your workplace assessments as teams begin to focus on the post-pandemic return to the office or workspace. If you are interested in our services feel free to call us on 07309 272 555 or email Physio@Lifemadesimple.co.uk. Life Made Simple - expert physiotherapy in Guildford and Surrey.