Adapting the workplace
Do you find that your workplace isn’t quite right for you? Perhaps you’re experiencing discomfort caused by your chair, desk, screen, work height or the way you have to move. Or perhaps you find that by the end of the day you feel stiff, tired or tense. A workplace doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to suit your body’s needs. A good workplace helps to reduce discomfort and distribute energy more effectively. This applies not only to office work. The workplace can also have a significant impact on standing work, care work, production work, retail work or work whilst on the move.
What do you notice?
A workplace that is not well suited to the employee can cause problems in various ways.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you experience pain in your neck, shoulders, back or arms;
- you have tired legs or feet;
- you often slump or sit tensely;
- you have difficulty standing or walking for long periods;
- you have to reach, turn or bend over a lot;
- you get tired more quickly;
- you get a headache after working at a computer screen;
- if you experience symptoms at home after a day’s work;
- you must constantly correct your working posture.
Sometimes you don’t immediately notice whilst working that something isn’t quite right. The symptoms only appear later in the day.
