furniture
A healthier, happier workforce means fewer sick days and better staff retention
“But bad workspaces or poorly- designed equipment can increase the amount of stress that employees feel. “Conversely, by equipping the workspace or the individual with ergonomic equipment that supports people's working day, it can contribute directly to people feeling better. “And in a healthcare environment, equipment that's designed for purpose is vital.” With nurses spending 35% of a typical 10-hour shift typing patient notes, helping them do this more efficiently can aid in reducing stress. “A simple solution is to equip
caregivers with a mobile computer cart that can be brought to the bedside,” said Spruijt.
“This keeps the nurse close to the patient while documenting their progress, and also makes it quick and easy for them to access information. “After all, making hand-written notes that need to be typed up elsewhere just means less time for patient care.”
A welcome rest
Another benefit of modern mobile computer carts is their ergonomic design.
“49% of nurses using computerised point-of-care systems report feeling some level of discomfort while inputting data, including wrist, neck and back pain – another factor adding to stress,” said Spruijt.
“A well-designed computer cart puts the keyboard, mouse and screen in a user-friendly position, minimising pain.” He adds: “Carts should also be height-adjustable. This means each individual can set them up to let them work comfortably and they can choose to work sitting or standing. “Considering a nurse can walk several miles in a shift, a chance to sit down and type notes can provide a welcome rest.
“And, with nurses feeling the
pressure of rising patient numbers, helping them to work in healthy, efficient ways can reduce some of their stress and, in turn, sick days.” And, it's not just frontline NHS staff
who are feeling the pressure. Back- office burn-out is also prevalent. “In departments such as HR, payroll and administration, workers can spend most of their day sitting,” said Spruijt. “But sitting for six-plus hours during the workday puts people at a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
“Add the usual pressures of a busy
role, or handling calls from disgruntled patients, and it's a recipe for stress. “However, something as low-tech as standing up can help workers feel a lot better.”
While mental and physical health are often thought of separately, our minds and bodies are connected. “Research proves that you can
improve the mood of employees by equipping them with a sit-stand desk,” said Spruijt.
Going mobile
“It sounds simple, but the act of standing up and using your muscles pumps fresh blood and oxygen to the brain, which releases mood-enhancing chemicals.”
And, for cash-strapped, budget- conscious NHS trusts, swapping to sit- stand desks needn’t be an expensive or disruptive exercise. “They can re-use existing desks by putting a sit-stand converter on top,” explains Spruijt.
“This clever piece of equipment enables monitors, keyboard and mouse to be smoothly lifted so it’s comfortable to work standing up or sitting down. “This change directly cuts the risk of anxiety and depression that’s linked to extended sitting. And standing more tones muscles and can even reduce common aches and pains.” Modern solutions enable existing monitors to be securely attached to fully-adjustable arms, so employees can position their screens however it suits them and can choose to work sitting or standing.
Spruijt said: “Giving people equipment that makes them feel better and helps them do their job can transform how they feel at work. “Mobile computer carts help
caregivers work more efficiently and comfortably so they have more time and mental energy to care for patients. “For back-office staff, sit-stand desks and monitor arms increase energy, reduce stress and improve mood. “Best of all, people feel the benefits of this equipment immediately and those benefits last. “And a healthier, happier workforces means fewer sick days and better staff retention.”
www.ergotron.com
healthcaredm.co.uk 51
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61
