The Psychological and Cognitive Impacts
It’s well-understood that ergonomically planned workspaces decrease the incidence of repetitive injuries. But let’s take that a step further and explore how ergonomics improves job satisfaction and performance. One of the most logical places to start? Analyze pain’s adverse mental effects.
How Pain Impacts Function, Job Satisfaction, and Performance
From one-time, on-the-job injuries to chronic pain, failure to provide an ergonomically safe workplace gravely affects your employees—and your company’s financial outlook. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a direct relationship exists between chronic pain and neurocognitive function.
4 Significant Neurocognitive Impairments that Can Impact Job Performance
- Attention
- Memory
- Processing speed
- Executive function
Whether employees work at a desk, an assembly line, a construction site, or another environment, disruption to neurocognitive functions undermines job performance. A tax accountant forgets to include a substantial deductible expense on a client’s federal tax return. An assembly line worker fails to notice a hairline crack in the electronics board that she’s assessing for quality control. A construction worker operating heavy machinery overshoots his target by several feet, damaging a nearby building.
Simply put, individuals cannot concentrate when they’re in pain.
Impaired employee neurocognitive functions brought on by chronic pain can result in expensive mistakes, customer dissatisfaction, and further injuries. But even temporary, minor injuries that improve with treatment can cause similar neurocognitive deficits. Pain medications and other prescription drugs, for example, often cause side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, confusion, and impaired thinking.
So, employing ergonomics to lessen the risk of injury can improve both job satisfaction and performance.
How Pain Impacts Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, and Performance
The pain-related consequences of an ergonomically unsafe work environment reach far beyond the job, affecting an employee’s quality of life. Relying on co-workers, friends, and family to assist with tasks they performed independently in the past, individuals with chronic pain can suffer stress, frustration, and resentment. Their home life and job satisfaction suffer not only because they feel less competent but also because they’re always in pain.
Pain causes stress, stress causes pain, and the problem continues to escalate.
As the employee’s quality of life deteriorates, psychological and mental stresses materialize, further complicating work performance. Chronic pain sufferers may feel guilty, depressed, and anxious about their inability to contribute the way they used to. These emotions adversely affect every aspect of their life, including their job.
How Ergonomics Improves Job Satisfaction and Performance
You can avoid this negative cycle by providing an ergonomically safe workplace. Doing so lowers the risk of injuries and chronic pain and reduces stress, significantly improving your employees’ job satisfaction and performance.
5 Common Injuries You Can Prevent by Employing Proper Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
- Back injuries
- Tendon inflammation
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck strain or stiff neck
Providing ergonomically beneficial equipment and setting up workspaces for comfort and ease of motion goes a long way toward preventing injury. And companies can take their ergonomic safety to a higher level by instituting policies that encourage healthy work habits.
4 Healthy Work Habits that Can Improve Range of Motion and Clear Thinking
- Take frequent breaks.
- Alternate between standing and sitting.
- Perform meditation or breathing exercises.
- Find a relaxing place to eat a healthy meal.
By promoting these and similar policies, you send a message to your employees that you value them and care about their well-being.
The Immeasurable Benefits of an Ergonomic Workplace
Employees who feel safe, valued, and healthy enjoy their jobs and develop a sense of loyalty to their employers. Job satisfaction reigns supreme, and improved job performance equates to more productivity. Quality products and services mean more clients, more customers, and more sales. And when clients and customers are happy, they talk.
Safeguard your most valuable assets—your employees—and watch the referrals drive your business. There’s no greater return on investment than that!
Ready to Explore Your Company’s Ergonomic Options?
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and Ergonomics for both Employers and Employees.
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