Article: How Poor Ergonomics Can Lead to Burnout

Data shows that in 2021, 89% of workers experienced burnout, with the burnout rate rising to 52% from 43% in 2020. Burned-out employees underperform and are more likely to resign. Therefore, as an employer, it is vital to understand the link between poor ergonomics and burnout. 

This article discusses how poor workplace ergonomics can lead to burnout and ways to prevent it for on-site and remote workers. But first, let’s discuss burnout and its causes and symptoms.

How to Prevent Burnout in the Workplace

It is possible to avoid workplace burnout; however, it requires taking deliberate steps to address it. Here are some tips for preventing burnout in the workplace: 

• Create an Ergonomic Workspace

Employers must create an ergonomic workspace to reduce the impact of burnout among employees. An ergonomic workstation should have room for knees, thighs, and feet under the desk. Provide adjustable desks and ensure that they are set at the proper height for using a laptop or desktop.

Also, the workstation should have a chair that supports the spine and an external ergonomic keyboard. There should be a mouse that fits the hand, good lighting, and any item that helps reduce stress while working. 

• Promote Work-Life Balance 

Another way of avoiding burnout is to create a system that enables work-life balance. To do this, employers must encourage their staff to take breaks, give time off, and make working from home an option. Also, encourage employees to spend time with family and prioritize self-care.

• Prioritize Workplace Wellness 

Organizational leaders should have a wellness plan for employees. For instance, they can create a spot where people can relax or meditate when stressed at work. Also, invest in aesthetics, focusing on soothing designs and plants.

Preventing Burnout at Home

Hybrid work conditions are not going away anytime soon, and more people will continue to work from home. Therefore, employers must also take steps to prevent burnout for remote employees. Here are some tips to share with employees to help improve home ergonomics set-up and reduce burnout:

• Establish a good working posture 

• Adjust chairs and desks to keep the body in a neutral position 

• Monitors and other display devices should be at the proper height and distance 

• Use appropriate keyboard and mouse configurations 

• Reduce repetitive movements 

• Stand up and move around at intervals 

• Ensure the right lighting, temperature, and humidity

Continuous Ergonomic Practices by Employers

Finally, employers must constantly seek ways to promote ergonomic practices at work. They can do this by:

• Regularly conducting ergonomics assessments

• Investing in the right furniture and equipment

• Building ergonomic workstations 

• Modifying existing workstations to factor in the height of new employees 

• Addressing environmental ergonomics (lightning, temperature, etc.)

• Encouraging movement breaks