There are two problems almost every office experiences: office noise (aka distractions) and poor ergonomic set-up. In order to get more out of your employees, it’s important to minimize distractions, while maximizing ergonomics.
Office Noise
As a manager, it should be no surprise to you that office noise is a problem. 70% of employees agree that less office noise would help them be more productive, while not nearly that percentage of managers were actually aware of this problem. So, maybe office noise as having an adverse effect on your bottom line is a surprise to you. Either way, it’s essential to cut back on the distraction levels so that your workers can focus on their tasks.
- One way to decrease noise levels is to institute a “quiet time.” In all seriousness, a quiet time is dedicated time away from technology so that workers can tune out the oft-distracting tech world and concentrate on their assignments or even getting their workstations organized and clutter-free.
- Another way to decrease noise levels is to cover, or mask, the noise itself. This is done through installation of a sound masking system, the speakers of which are mounted into the ceiling tiles themselves for an invisible solution. Te benefits of sound masking are: 1) lower distraction levels, 2) http://www.speechprivacysystems.com/voicearrest-sound-masking-systems/how-to-achieve-speech-privacy-2/, 3) and even a music and paging system if desired.
Ergonomics
The next obstacle to hurdle is the task of making appropriate ergonomic adjustments. Sadly, it’s a fact that distracted and disengaged workers do not consider ergonomic principles as a solution for work-related stress. Thus, here are some examples of which ergonomic adjustments are the most important to help ease work-related stress and repetitive stress injuries, with the overall goal of keeping workers healthy, happy, and heartily at work.
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Work-related stress is all too common.
Productive workstations
. Productive workstations are clutter-free and keep all essential and frequently-used items no farther than arm’s reach. - Workstation set-up. The monitor should be at eye level and about 20 inches away from the face. The keyboard and mouse should be on the same surface and next to each other. The user should be able to fit under the desk without squeezing to do so, with feet flat on the floor, and with the back well-supported.
- Good ergonomic posture. No part of the worker’s body should be bent awkwardly at any time, nor should the worker have to overextend to reach anything, including any piece of equipment.
- Ergonomic products. Adjustability is the key word here. The desk, chair, and even the keyboard/mouse should fit the user. Products that fit well are comfortable and help the user make the most of his or her time. Ergonomic keyboards and mice, as well as desks and chairs, are ideal for a productive work environment.
Your bottom line rests on this bottom line: being productive is all about using time well, which includes reducing unnecessary distractions and even stress and sick days. A productive worker is efficient and ergonomically balanced, and most workers aren’t equipped on their own to be those things. It is your job, as the manager, to see to their needs.