ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS FOR VISUAL COMFORT
ViVA advised on workstation setup to improve the health and productivity of a worker in shared office space.
PROJECT LEAD
PROJECT TEAM
Solo
PARTNERED WITH
In-house
Context
Shared, open office plans are an efficient use of space in many office settings. The open, shared environment in a collaborative space means that indivual workers may have little control over their environmental set up, such as furnishings, lighting, temperature, or noise. This lack of personalisation can impact on their comfort, health, and productivity.
Challenge
An administrative worker experienced hip tightness, headaches, migraines, and nausea, and discomfort in her left shoulder, upper back, and neck. The worker was right-hand dominant believed her symptoms to be musculoskeletal in origin.
Approach
The ViVA ergonomist observed the worker mid-task, leaning to the left, over-reaching, and elevating their left shoulder and arm, while also straining to view a low laptop monitor positioned to their right. The ambient fluorescent lighting caused reflective glare, significantly contributing to the worker’s discomfort.
The ViVA ergonomist educated the worker and helped them make adjustments to their set up, reducing reflective glare exposures, and improving dynamic, postural interactions with the workstation.
The ViVA ergonomist educated the worker and helped them make adjustments to their set up, reducing reflective glare exposures, and improving dynamic, postural interactions with the workstation.
Outcomes
After implementing the changes, the worker’s risk of musculoskeletal disorders was significantly reduced. Within two weeks, the worker’s symptoms, including headaches and muscular aches, were resolved. They reported improved productivity, reduced time off work, better morale, and an improved sense of wellbeing.