Did you know that 28% of people in the US reportedly struggle with the dull ache and distress associated with back pain? Holding down a successful career, your home life, and a healthy routine can be challenging, especially if physical ailments are bringing you down.
But this is all about to change. Many forward-thinking companies are making their coworking spaces more accommodating for workers’ health and spinal alignment.
Keep reading as we explore the rise of ergonomic coworking spaces and what this means for physical health at work.
How Can The Workplace Affect Your Physical Health?
For those of us who aren’t blessed with the luxury of hybrid or remote working patterns, the office is where we undoubtedly spend most of our time. If our workplaces aren’t set up in a health-friendly and wellness-focused manner, this can lead to all sorts of health complications.
Back And Neck Problems
Sitting in a chair for long periods is ultimately not what the human body was intended for. It can place extreme strain on the back and cause misalignment if we do not take care to minimize the horrendous strain of long periods spent in a chair.
You may experience sciatica, which results from pressure on the sciatic nerve in the hip crease. Or, you may experience what we now call ‘text neck,’ which results from hunching over to stare at a screen. You might even experience shoulder pain from typing at a desk that is not optimally positioned for your arm height.
The layout of your desk has a direct impact on your spinal health and alignment, and ergonomics is the only long-term solution to pain. According to Michelle English, LCSW and Executive Clinical Manager at Healthy Life Recovery, managing pain with medication without addressing the root cause can contribute to drug dependency and misuse, which is why finding practical solutions is key.
Mental Fatigue
Staring at a screen and feeling uncomfortable throughout the day subliminally makes us fatigued and can deteriorate our mental health. Eye strain may lead to a groggy feeling, and too much noise in the space can cause sensory overwhelm.
All of these things contribute to mental fatigue over time, which can affect productivity and workplace satisfaction. According to Michelle Beaupre, PhD, LCSW at Villa Oasis, mental fatigue is one of many symptoms that can contribute to depression, deteriorating mental health, and a state of well-being without intervention.
A Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle isn’t just bad for alignment. It’s bad for the body as a whole. Sitting for long periods can lead to weight gain and depression, as movement provides so many benefits for the body and our physical health.
What Are Ergonomic Coworking Spaces?
Many companies are opting for coworking spaces that facilitate in-office communication and collaboration. Some companies even share their coworking spaces with other businesses to save money on office space when implementing a hybrid work pattern.
Coworking spaces provide both large tables for collaboration and smaller desks for individual work, ensuring all in-office working needs are met. But how are companies making their coworking spaces more physical-health-friendly? Here are some of the trending ergonomic features for coworking spaces.
Acoustic Paneling
Acoustic paneling is an excellent ergonomic feature that can help to reduce stress caused by audio overstimulation. Background chatter in the office can be both distracting and overstimulating, contributing to increased mood instability throughout the day.
Adjustable & Ergonomic Office Furniture
Standard tables and chairs aren’t optimal for long periods of sitting, which is why most offices are complete with ergonomic furniture. Ergonomic furniture provides more support for the lumbar spine and neck while offering adjustable height and incline. This allows the worker to tailor their desk setup to their body’s proportions, ensuring their computers are at eye level, their hands rest comfortably on their desks, and their feet comfortably touch the floor.
Wellness Programs
Staying active is one of the best ways to mitigate pain caused by sitting. It helps to support healthy blood flow and realign the body after a long day of sitting. Many offices now include wellness programs and fitness club memberships in their culture to ensure total health in the office.
Summary
When implementing an in-office work scheme, it’s essential to consider the long-term impact of poor ergonomics. Employees’ spinal health, mental health, and physical health are on the line without essential support for long days of sitting. Consider the popular ergonomic coworking features listed above and whether they might be the right solution for creating a culture of wellness in your office.
