Learn 7 ergonomic principles for comfortable work!

Comfort opens the door for us to do our work effectively. When the body is relaxed and the mind is in good shape, we can get more done. Plus, we are in a better mood in the process! Thus, an ergonomic office is a win-win solution, so that both employees and the boss end the day with a smile on their face. See what you can do to create a comfortable office environment.

What does workplace ergonomics mean?

Ergonomics revolves around comfort and safety. It is a scientific discipline that helps us live healthier lives by adapting tools, machines, furniture, and working conditions to our anatomical characteristics. For example, if we spend all day in an uncomfortable chair, we are likely to experience considerable discomfort in the evening. However, if the chair makes us comfortable, we are more rested and focused on the task at hand. 

We can divide ergonomics into conceptual and corrective. The former is concerned with designing a space to make it as comfortable as possible and reduce the risk of accidents. At the planning stage, designers consider the layout of workstations, appropriate lighting, access to fresh air, the choice of materials, and the use of ergonomic furniture. The goal is to create a space that allows users to customize it to their individual needs while ensuring comfort. Corrective ergonomics instead deals with improving spaces that already exist. To do this, a thorough analysis of working conditions is needed, both in terms of safety and employee comfort. The solutions introduced should respond to needs that are not being met at the moment.

What is ergonomic work?

Why is well-being so important at work? The better we feel, the better we work.

Body comfort translates into behavior and the way we experience emotions. For this reason, ergonomics in the workplace aims to take care of us comprehensively, addressing physical and mental needs. When we feel good, we automatically respond more favorably to stressors, like a short deadline hanging over our projects. At the same time, when we are overtired, we become irritable and lack patience with co-workers. It is worth remembering that prolonged stress is a factor that negatively affects not only our mood but also our health.

The impact of ergonomics on our productivity

Why is ergonomics important in the work environment? The body and psyche are closely connected, and consequently, when we feel comfortable, we are more productive. This is quite logical, but in the office, we often forget to make sure we are comfortable. We wave our hands when the chair is uncomfortable and the air conditioning is set too low. We think to ourselves: I don’t have time for this! In such situations, however, we should stop and make the appropriate changes. Only by feeling comfortable are we able to realize the hidden potential within us.

What do we gain by working in an ergonomic workplace?

• A sense of security, 
• greater focus,
• increased efficiency,
• better well-being,
• job satisfaction,
• greater motivation to perform,
• vitality,
• better results with less effort.

An ergonomic office can also support business growth.  Behind the success of any business are employees who are more willing and effective in their tasks when they have a supportive, comfortable space to do so. 

Factors that create an ergonomic work environment

An office is more than walls, so when designing its space, we should pay attention to both material and social elements. Sometimes it is what is invisible to the eye that plays the biggest role.

Positive work environment

The social factors that prevail in an office can sometimes be much more important than a comfortable office chair. Which of these are key to creating a positive work atmosphere? Among others, the interpersonal contacts within the company and the atmosphere within it, the opportunities for professional development, and the demands that are placed on us.

Office space

The material factors that make up the working environment are nothing more than the place where we work and the tools we use to do so. Among other things, the temperature in the office, the lighting, and the presence of air conditioning, as well as substances that sensitize us, are important in this case.

What makes us comfortable in the office?

• A monitor screen that reduces glare, equipped with a special filter to protect our eyesight,
• a comfortable chair for working at the computer,
• access to natural light and fresh air,
• the presence of live plants,
• comfortable furniture with the ability to adapt to individual needs (such as adjusting the height of the desk),
• enough space to feel comfortable at your workstation.

What kind of environment increases our comfort at work?

• The freedom to be oneself,
• trust in one’s superiors,
• low stress levels,
• the opportunity to develop talents,
• a sense of meaning in the duties performed,
• clear communication between employees.

What does an ergonomic, or comfortable, workplace look like?

First and foremost, an office is supposed to give freedom of choice, that is, to be a flexible space that we can adjust under ourselves, not the other way around!  The solutions that benefit our work are therefore those that are tailored to the specific tasks we perform.

While creating the coworking brand for several years, we have had a lot of conversations with our clients, experimented with, and tested solutions on our own to make work easier. The experience helped us create a vision of an ergonomic workplace.

Principles of an ergonomic workplace

 1.  A space tailored to the needs of employees

We invited the future users of Brain Embassy coworking spaces to work on their concept, so we were able to create a versatile space that addresses a range of needs at the same time. If you want to design a truly comfortable office, bet on the variety and flexibility of workspaces, as well as areas designed for relaxation.

This way, all the company’s employees will be able to choose the space that best suits them at any given time each day. How to do it? First of all, think about what your typical work day looks like. Write down all its stages and types of tasks. Talk among yourselves and write down your observations. Every day life is the best inspiration for office design.

For example, at Brain Embassy, we have both private offices and open space. We have equipped the open space with a number of different solutions, such as long table stations for those who like to be among others and quiet work rooms for those who can only focus in seclusion.

Did you know that at Brain Embassy, 90% of clients tried a new work position other than sitting at a desk for the first time?

Sitting has become the new smoking, so it makes sense to arrange the space to allow work to be done in a different position. Anyway, there are a whole bunch of ways to sit! In our coworking spaces, we have swings, poufs, couches, or even stationary bikes as alternatives to the typical office chair. Changing positions while giving your body relief, at the same time, can also provide you with fun!

2. Space that takes care of physical comfort

Comfort first and foremost! Time spent in a chair looking for the right position is hardly productive. Therefore, in order to fully focus on tasks, we need a comfortable chair for computer work, a desk with a height-adjustable top, or a good-quality monitor.

Ergonomic furniture dedicated to work is one thing, but physical comfort should also be taken care of by arranging a relaxation space in the office. In each Brain Embassy coworking space, you will find a living room with a comfortable couch, alcoves with armchairs or poufs. We also have chillout rooms with hammocks for deep relaxation.

3. An environment that helps take care of our good mood

When our mind is rested, we are more motivated to work and find it easier to focus on completing tasks. A pleasant place (preferably in a package with supportive people) allows us to feel at ease, and this opens access to hidden talents. Feeling good about ourselves, we are more confident – we use our skills more boldly or reach for new competencies.

How, then, can the office environment support our psyche? At Brain Embassy, we studied the effect of colors on the mind and selected a color palette to positively stimulate it. Talking with clients while designing the first coworking spaces, we also understood the importance of being able to relax while working. That’s why we decided to equip the space with nap and meditation rooms that provide a comfortable environment for a reset, helping to recharge energy for further work.

4. Plants that give us relaxation

The presence of living plants is calming – a few minutes gazing at the green leaves gives you respite and allows you to return to work with more ease. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep the principles of biophilia in mind when arranging your office. Biophilia involves enhancing interiors with elements from the natural world. Plants, in addition to their calming properties, are also a great acoustic element. So if you want to provide comfort to your employees, walls of greenery will help you with this.

However, designing in harmony with biophilia is not only about plants. Monstera or sansevieria will go perfectly with furniture created from natural materials. The presence of wood or stone in the finishes of a space has a positive effect on employees – we confirm this ourselves!

5. Space to take a breath of fresh air

Access to oxygen gives us energy and ensures better focus. Instead, stuffy rooms reduce productivity and put creative thinking to sleep.
Weary from work, we run to get another cup of coffee to stop yawning. However, there is a healthier solution – just get some fresh air.

At Brain Embassy, you can boldly open the windows in your offices or open spaces to feel a breath of vitality. Most of our coworking spaces also have terraces where you can catch some sun or stretch your legs.

6. Lots of natural light for healthy eyes

Eyes are one of the body parts that suffer the most when working at a computer. That’s why proper lighting is fundamental in designing an ergonomic office. Lack of access to daylight makes us sleepy, tired, and, unfortunately, also more stressed. Instead, the right amount of natural lighting has a positive effect on sleep and provides a better quality of life.

So as much as possible, make sure to have a large number of windows in the office. At Brain, we have a rule – one window for Brainers! In addition, part of the walls are glazed, so that natural light also reaches areas that do not have direct access to windows. What else can you do? Choose light bulbs with a light temperature similar to daylight. When designing workplaces, also position lamps so as to avoid the phenomenon of “glare”, which tires the eyes very quickly.

7. Positive people you can count on

Although the office creates the space, the community creates the atmosphere. Being at ease in a team or trusting a manager increases our motivation to work. It also improves our mood – we open our laptops with a smile and support others in difficult moments, because we see the company as a whole. We also spread this attitude at Brain: together we are smarter is our main slogan. We know that by working together with empathy, we can achieve goals together that are beyond the capabilities of an individual.

An ergonomic office is therefore not a fad among employees. It is the best way to create a healthy workplace full of happy people.

Good luck in creating a comfortable office!