Ergonomics in the Office

Ignoring Workplace Strain Is Expensive—Most Businesses Just Don’t Track It That Way
Ergonomics isn’t usually at the top of a business owner’s priority list.
Until it is.
Most companies only address workplace strain after something happens—a workers’ comp claim, repeated complaints, or declining productivity.
That’s reactive. And it’s expensive.

The Real Cost Isn’t Just Injury—It’s Lost Productivity
Musculoskeletal issues don’t usually show up all at once.
They build over time:

• Repetitive tasks
• Poor workstation setup
• Long hours in the same position
• Physically demanding roles without proper support

The result isn’t just injury claims. It’s:

• Slower work output
• More time off
• Lower consistency from employees
• Increased turnover

Most of these costs don’t show up clearly on a financial statement—but they’re there.

Prevention Is a Business Decision—Not Just a Safety One
Many businesses invest heavily in efficiency—automation, systems, technology.
But they overlook the physical side of how work gets done.
That’s a gap.
What to do:

• Identify roles with repetitive or physically demanding tasks
• Observe how work is actually performed—not how it’s supposed to be done
• Look for small adjustments that reduce strain (equipment, layout, workflow)

You don’t need a full overhaul to start seeing improvements.

Small Adjustments Create Measurable Returns
Not every solution is complex.
In many cases, improvements are straightforward:

• Better workstation setup
• Adjusted lighting or positioning
• Improved seating or support
• Minor workflow changes

In other cases, it may involve:

• Redesigning processes
• Introducing assistive equipment
• Automating repetitive tasks

The key is prioritization—focus on the highest-risk areas first.

This Shouldn’t Be a One-Time Fix
A common mistake is treating this like a project instead of a system.
Work environments change. Roles evolve. Teams grow.
What to do:

• Build ongoing review into operations
• Gather employee feedback regularly
• Adjust as needed instead of waiting for problems

Consistency matters more than perfection.

The Bigger Takeaway
Ergonomic risk isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a business performance issue.
When employees are more comfortable:

• Productivity improves
• Errors decrease
• Retention increases
• Costs stabilize

At GLM, we look at this through a broader lens:

• Where is the business losing efficiency?
• What hidden costs aren’t being measured?
• How can small changes improve long-term results?

Because better operations don’t always come from doing more—they often come from removing friction.

If something in your business feels slower, harder, or more strained than it should be, it’s worth looking at how the work is actually getting done. That’s usually where the opportunity is.

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