The word "ergonomics" plays a major role in work - especially in sedentary activities and in the office. But what exactly is ergonomics? What is ergonomics good for? And what dangers does working without movement pose? Here you will find detailed answers to these important questions.
Simply explained: The definition of ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of human work and aims to adapt the work environment to people's needs. This is intended to create healthy working conditions in order to reduce stress and increase performance. An ergonomically designed workplace increases well-being and increases efficiency.
What is Ergonomics? A Definition
Ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to people's needs. The term is derived from the Greek words "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (law) - ergonomics therefore means "law of work". The aim of ergonomics is to design workplaces in such a way that they optimally support people's physical and mental requirements. This should minimize health problems and increase efficiency.
What is the goal of ergonomics?
Ergonomics aims to minimize health problems while increasing productivity. An ergonomic workplace reduces absenteeism, increases employee satisfaction and thus contributes to the long-term success of companies. In addition, ergonomic design ensures less stress and fatigue during work - you feel fitter and more motivated throughout the day.
What types of ergonomics are there?
There are different types of ergonomics that relate to different aspects of the work environment:
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Physical ergonomics : This form focuses on the human body and how workplaces can be designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. This includes, for example, ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks and well-placed work equipment.
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Cognitive ergonomics : This is about mental workload. This type of ergonomics deals with how information is processed to minimize errors and promote concentration. An example of this is an ergonomically designed computer workstation with eye-friendly lighting.
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Organizational ergonomics : This is about optimizing work processes and working time arrangements. The goal is to organize the work process in such a way that strain and stress are reduced.
Ergonomics is particularly useful in industry. The Aeris Muvman Industry, for example, is specially designed for standing activities at production workplaces.
What does the international standard DIN ISO 9241-11 say?
DIN ISO 9241-11 is an international standard that deals with the usability of workplaces and systems. It specifies how work environments should be designed to ensure effectiveness , efficiency and user satisfaction .
The focus of the standard is:
- Effectiveness : Tools should be designed so that users can easily achieve their goals.
- Efficiency : The effort and time required to complete tasks should be as short as possible.
- Satisfaction : The work environment must be pleasant and user-friendly to promote long-term health and productivity.
Aeris is based on established standards such as DIN ISO 9241-11, but goes beyond them. While standards provide important foundations for ergonomic design, we place particular emphasis on dynamic movement and the individual adaptation of products.
Instead of adopting rigid specifications such as standardized seat heights or distance measurements, Aeris office furniture focuses on freedom of movement and flexibility in order to meet the natural needs of the body. Our philosophy: People do not adapt to the norms - the workplace adapts to people .
An example of ergonomics in the office
A typical example of ergonomics in the office is the use of a height-adjustable desk in combination with an ergonomic chair. Imagine working at a normal desk that is neither height-adjustable nor adjusted to your height. After a few hours, your shoulders start to hurt, your back becomes tense and your concentration wanes.
Now the difference: You switch to a height-adjustable desk and an ergonomic office chair. You can work sitting or standing, adjust the chair to suit your needs, and your body stays moving. The result? Back pain is avoided, your posture improves, and you feel fresher and more focused.
Why is ergonomics so important?
Sitting for long periods, rigid postures and poorly adapted workstations often lead to complaints such as back pain, tension and headaches. These problems are widespread and are among the most common causes of absenteeism at work. There is even a saying: "Sitting is the new smoking". Sitting too much without moving increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
Ergonomic workplaces counteract these problems by keeping the body moving, promoting a healthy posture and, in the long term, reducing the risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. reduce.
Tip: In this article we explain the ergonomic workplace design in the office and which criteria you should pay attention to.
Modern ergonomics supports movement in the workplace. Frequent changes between sitting and standing are very important. The Aeris Muvman is a very good support when standing for long periods.
Sitting for hours without ergonomics and movement: The health consequences
1. Reduced depth sensitivity
Sitting for long periods without moving causes the proprioceptors, which are responsible for deep sensitivity, to atrophy. This leads to poorer motor skills because the sensors in the muscles send fewer impulses.
2. Poor stress relief and increased blood pressure
Exercise helps reduce stress by lowering adrenaline levels. Without exercise, stress stays in the body, which can lead to increased blood pressure and health problems in the long term.
3. Poorer attention and fatigue
Lack of exercise leads to faster fatigue and reduced concentration. Regular exercise during work keeps the mind and body alert and noticeably reduces the error rate.
Good to know: A study by the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz has shown that brain activity is significantly higher when you "sit in motion". This movement increases the activity of the brain, muscles and breathing.
4. Higher risk of injury
If you exercise after an inactive day at the office, you increase your risk of injury. Regular exercise in everyday life strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments and prevents injuries.
5. Faster aging process
Lack of exercise slows down cell regeneration, which accelerates the aging process. Exercise promotes cell renewal and keeps you young and vital for longer.
Interesting fact: It is estimated that around four million new cells are formed in the body every second. These are mainly blood, intestinal and skin cells. Our body is constantly renewed.
Scientifically proven: Better blood values thanks to ergonomics at the workplace
An Australian study with 4,800 subjects examined blood values after a typical working day. Employees with a normal office workplace were compared with those whose workplace was ergonomically designed so that they always moved slightly during the day.
The following groups were divided:
- Group 1: Typical office workers who did not move during the day in the office.
- Group 2: Typical office workers who did not exercise during the day in the office but exercised in the evening two to three times a week.
- Group 3: Typical office workers who moved around lightly in the office during the day but did not do any exercise.
As expected, the analysis showed that group 1 had the worst blood values. What was surprising, however, was that the blood values of groups 2 and 3 were equally good. Even light exercise during the day was enough for group 3 to bring the quality of the blood values up to the level of the group that exercised several times a week. This does not mean that you should forego exercise in your free time. But ergonomics helps you stay fitter, more active and healthier in everyday life.
Better performance, prevention of back pain and a lower risk of developing lifestyle diseases. Modern ergonomics has many advantages.
The advantages of ergonomics at a glance
An ergonomically designed workplace offers numerous benefits for both health and productivity:
- Reduction of musculoskeletal disorders : Ergonomic furniture helps to avoid typical complaints such as back pain, neck pain and tension.
- Improved concentration and productivity : By moving more during the workday, your mind stays more alert and you can work with concentration for longer.
- Less stress and fatigue : Regular exercise helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
- Stay healthy and fit longer : Exercise stimulates cell renewal and ensures that you feel fit and vital for longer.
- Increased performance : Healthy employees are more motivated and productive - this increases the quality of work and at the same time reduces absenteeism.
Tip: The contents of this article can be found in detail in the book Active Office – The Workplace as a Space for Movement.
Conclusion: Ergonomics – your key to more health and productivity
Ergonomics is a basic requirement for health and productivity. The right workplace design keeps you fit, increases performance and promotes long-term well-being - in the office and at home.
