THE ECONOMICS OF ERGONOMICS

Productivity improvements resulting from the proper planning and effective implementation of work space solutions can average from 20% to 30%, and reach as high as 50% or more. Not only are such expectations realistic, Coopers is willing to prove our ability to achieve those results at no cost or obligation to qualified corporate accounts. (See “Coopers Commitment“)

Coopers has over three decades of experience achieving these increases. Key is how most people react to discomfort - they stop working. In fact, employees are encouraged by Federal and Provincial departments and agencies to 'take a break' whenever they feel the need. Costs from actual sick days, medical leaves and disability claims are actually minor by comparison.

Frequent and lengthy breaks (on-premises absenteeism) account for substantial losses in productivity. (See “Cost of Discomfort" in the Articles Section) Employees experiencing even moderate discomfort often work for only 15 to 20 minutes before taking a break, and an in-depth Bell Canada study of a 120 person department revealed an on-premises absentee rate of 50% before new workstations were planned and implemented. Reducing that rate to (a still high) 25% would achieve a 50% increase in productivity.

Companies with few complaints are often the ones bearing the greatest cost. Where employees are able to take frequent breaks to alleviate their discomfort, the specific aches or pains are not identified for correction. These "worker friendly" organizations are usually the most surprised to discover the extent of the productivity benefits that properly planned and implemented work space solutions can produce.