A Q&A with Elissa Ecker on Manorhouse Management’s Ergonomic Journey
Manorhouse Management, Inc. shines in assisted living and memory care in central Virginia. Their emphasis on ergonomics keeps them ahead of the competition in health care safety. In this Q&A with HR director Elissa Ecker, find out how Manorhouse’s partnership with McClure Ergonomics Consulting Services achieved the following.
- Improved safety
- Reduced legal risks
- Promoted a more caring culture
Plus, learn how an ergonomics assessment can benefit your business.
Briefly share what Manorhouse does and describe your role there…
Elissa: Manorhouse Management, Inc. runs Manorhouse Assisted Living & Memory Care in Richmond, VA. It’s a top-quality assisted living and memory care community. I worked with Manorhouse in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Then, I returned in April 2021, thrilled to join the organization again to tackle HR challenges and update program materials previously developed.
After my return, I teamed up with Jim Bonnell, our chief operating officer. Together, we prioritized an ergonomic analysis to enhance safety and compliance to prevent both legal and safety issues.
When did Manorhouse first recognize a need for ergonomics assessments? What factors prompted you to contact McClure Ergonomics specifically for help?
Elissa: At Manorhouse, we aim to surpass residents’ expectations. Life in retirement should mirror pre-retirement life, so safety and comfort are core principles. To ensure a safe, homey living environment, staff must work safely. A detailed job description, including physical demands, is crucial in this line of work. Consulting with Bill McClure [CEO and founder of McClure Ergonomics] played a vital role in revamping our job descriptions.
Describe the range of the roles and positions McClure Ergonomics evaluated…
Elissa: Bill evaluated all our positions at the community level, which included over 20 different roles. These ranged from administration and activities to dining services, housekeeping, maintenance, and nursing.
Share any specific outcomes or improvements Manorhouse experienced from implementing McClure Ergonomics’ recommendations…
Elissa: Two years ago, with Bill’s expert guidance, we conducted an ergonomic study. We included physical demands in job descriptions, which are crucial from an HR perspective for a compliant hiring process.
Since then, we’ve had workers’ comp cases and ADA interactive meetings. We share the physical demands of each job with employees and their medical providers. This ensures everyone understands their role’s physical needs. It also goes a long way when stakeholders understand that we did not just pluck numbers out of the air.
How has your work with McClure Ergonomics impacted day-to-day operations at Manorhouse?
Elissa: When we rolled out the new job descriptions with the detailed physical demands of the jobs now listed, we also began similar discussions during the new-hire onboarding process. Our team better understands and appreciates the effort we put into their safety. They have realized that not all employers prioritize this.
How do you believe Manorhouse has benefitted from the services provided by McClure Ergonomics, particularly in mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety?
Elissa: We’ve improved safety and productivity in many ways, but we can also now share job descriptions with employees’ health care providers as needed. This collaborative approach gives us more insight into what our employees can or cannot do safely. It’s been an incredible way to mitigate risks.
Take Action: Improve Employee Safety with McClure Ergonomics
Elissa Ecker’s testimonial highlights the Ergonomic Assessment’s benefits for workplace culture, customer experience, and legal compliance.
Are you ready to take the same proactive steps toward a safer and healthier work environment?
Schedule Your Ergonomic Assessment with McClure Ergonomics TODAY!
Call us at 336.601.0007 to improve your workplace safety and employee well-being.