7 Signs That Your Employees are Uncomfortable

When people are uncomfortable, the way that you find out about that discomfort may vary. Some employees are going to be direct, and report their discomfort. They may even request an ergonomic evaluation, if you already have an ergonomics program in place.

But what if your employees don’t know where to turn to ask for help? Or what if they’re afraid to “complain” about what they’re feeling?

Here are seven signs to watch out for:

1. Shaking hands – This can be a sign of discomfort in the hands, and even numbness. Often, when the hands begin going numb, it’s instinctive to shake them to get the blood flowing and ease the discomfort.

2. Rubbing back, neck, or shoulders – This can temporarily relieve muscle tension, and typically indicates that tightness, tension, or discomfort is being felt in the area being rubbed.

3. Heating pads – Unless your office is very cold, seeing a heating pad is usually a sign that someone is trying to ease discomfort by applying heat.

4. Splints, especially wrist splints – Wrist splints can be bought over the counter, and can sometimes be a sign that the user is feeling the effects of repetitive motion or contact stress, and trying to stabilize or pad the wrist.

5. Back rests or cushions – These can be a sign of back discomfort, or of generally feeling uncomfortable in the chair.

6. Alternative seating – Another sign of being uncomfortable in the chair, employees who bring in their own seating are sometimes trying to solve an issue with the chair fit or the general comfort of the chair.

7. Other furniture – Other furniture that might pop up includes desk-top add-ons, keyboard trays, monitor risers – these are all things that solve ergonomic and comfort issues, but when added by an employee without an evaluation first, may not fully address the underlying issue.

All of these signs can be indicators that something is going wrong, and the employee is trying to make it better. Sometimes, this just means that some education is needed on how to adjust and arrange the existing furniture and equipment. And sometimes, it means that the existing furniture or equipment just doesn’t fit the employee.

If you do see any of these signs in your office, a good course of action is to make sure that employees know that help is available, and that it’s ok (and expected, if discomfort is occurring) to ask for help. Make sure that your program is easily accessible, and that the process to report discomfort is clear and simple.

If you don’t already have an ergonomics program, our Getting Comfortable at Work course is an online training program that you can provide to your employees. It will help guide them through every aspect of their equipment and furniture setup, including:

·      Chair adjustments

·      Typing surface height

·      Keyboard and mouse positioning

·      Keyboard and mouse fit

·      Peripheral equipment

·      Standing

·      Good work habits

And you have the option to add a virtual evaluation with one of our ergonomic experts –

you can plan to do this for every employee, or just for employees who need help after the training is complete - we tailor it to work for your company’s needs.

We also offer in-person services – this is a good choice if you know that you have cases where there is severe discomfort, existing illnesses, or injuries. Or if you just prefer to have an “Ergo Day” and get everyone taken care of at once!

So if you’re seeing some signs of discomfort in your office, or if you’re interested in preventing discomfort, check out our services – we’ll be happy to help you!