Common workplace environment problems in offices – and how to avoid them

The word ergonomics might make you think of height-adjustable desks, computer glasses, specially adapted chairs and Pilates balls. But in fact, it takes more than that to create a good work environment. Here’s how to avoid some of the most common work environment problems in an office setting.

Most people associate the concept of ergonomics with the physical work environment, such as office chairs, computers, desks, mice and keyboards. But ergonomics also includes the psychosocial work environment, which for example covers stress, monotony, variation, social relationships, responsibility, influence and security. Wellr is a tool that helps you as an employer improve the work environment from both perspectives – below are some concrete tips on how you can work specifically with the psychosocial work environment in the office.

Regular evaluation. To know whether there are problems related to the psychosocial work environment, it is important to evaluate it regularly. At Wellr, we usually work with an in-depth analysis of the organizational and social work environment. We often carry out the major analysis once a year, and pulse surveys in between to evaluate changes. This creates a clear picture of which areas are classified as risk areas within the organization. Sometimes there is no simple solution that completely changes the situation, but by being aware of the risks we can work towards achieving long-term change. Sometimes help from external parties such as occupational health services is required.

Everyday physical activity. Research suggests that as many as 45 percent of the working-age population have too low oxygen uptake capacity to manage working eight hours a day. If we can inspire more everyday movement and physical activity, we will create synergies in several other health areas. For example, it leads to both increased resilience to stress and less pain in the body. A physically active person can also cope with poorer ergonomics for a longer period before experiencing pain – so make sure to take proper breaks and consider some form of office exercise that boosts circulation and oxygenates muscles that otherwise often end up with lactic acid build-up.

Inclusive leadership. For people to thrive at work, it is important to be attentive as a manager, but also to try to help improve the atmosphere and social interaction between colleagues. There are many different ways to do this, but the most important thing is that everyone feels included and involved. At Wellr, we use different types of challenges that already exist in the system, such as teaming up with a colleague to practice giving positive feedback to other colleagues over the course of a month.