How an Ergonomic Assessment Reduces the Cost of Absences
A professional ergonomic assessment (DSE Assessment) reduces the cost of absences and boosts productivity. It is a strategic solution for HR that drastically reduces sick leave and improves wellbeing in the modern work environment.
An ergonomic assessment, within the framework of office ergonomics services, is not just about the chair or desk a worker uses. Often, as HR managers or employers, you receive complaints about discomfort, notice signs of fatigue in the team or see sick leave rates rising. One of the main causes behind these phenomena is often found in musculoskeletal problems, which burden employees’ everyday lives.
The Most Common Musculoskeletal Problems in Office Workers
- Pain in the neck and shoulders
- Low back pain and stiffness in the back
- Discomfort in the wrists and elbows
- Generalised fatigue and reduced concentration
- Worsening of symptoms during periods of increased workload
Many organisations look for reliable office ergonomics services in Greece to address these issues. In this article, we will see why the real solution is not simply buying products, but the broader ergonomic design and the adaptation of the way of working to the needs of your staff.
What Is Office Ergonomics in Practice?
At Workplace Physiocare, we approach ergonomics as a key tool of occupational health and prevention.
Ergonomics means adapting the work environment to the needs and capabilities of the worker, ensuring that the layout of the space promotes maximum productivity and comfort.
When this adaptation is absent, the body is strained, leading to the frequent musculoskeletal problems that affect the majority of office workers.
Effective ergonomics does not depend only on the equipment, but is decisively affected by:
- Incorrect work habits (e.g. awkward/static body positions in an expensive chair).
- The duration of continuous sitting without changes.
- The lack of movement breaks throughout the day.
- Remote work and the unsuitable setup of space at home (e.g. using a kitchen table).
Without proper education and assessment, even the use of the best ergonomic equipment does not guarantee the prevention or reduction of musculoskeletal pain.
The Solution Lies in the Ergonomic Assessment (DSE Assessment)
The real and sustainable solution for your business lies in specialist ergonomic assessment services.
The assessment (DSE Assessment) we apply is a structured process, through which we examine:
- The workstation and the existing equipment of your employees.
- The way your team works (whether at the office or working remotely).
- Any existing musculoskeletal symptoms, discomfort or physical limitations they face.
- The real functional demands of each role.
Our goal is to provide personalised recommendations and practical solutions that can be applied immediately, improving your team’s productivity.
What Your Business Gains
What are the benefits of an ergonomic assessment for companies? An organised ergonomic intervention can contribute to:
- Reducing sick leave.
- Reducing presenteeism (working in pain and with reduced performance).
- Improving the overall wellbeing of employees.
- Strengthening a culture of prevention and care.
Does the Ergonomic Assessment Need to Be Done On-Site or Can It Be Remote?
Workplace Physiocare provides assessment services centred on Attica, while at the same time covering needs throughout Greece. Our services are flexible and adapt to your working model:
- On-site: A specialist visits your office premises.
- Remote: A digital assessment for employees in remote work or hybrid models, regardless of location.
The Specialized Approach of Workplace Physiocare
We believe that ergonomics requires scientific knowledge and not simple generalisations. That is why all our interventions are designed and carried out exclusively by an occupational health physiotherapist, with specialisation and experience in UK Occupational Health standards and practices.
Our methodology goes beyond theory: it is purely practical, fully personalised and adapts flexibly to the needs and culture of each organisation.
Find out more about our specialist service that supports businesses both on-site and digitally:
When Are Office Ergonomics Services and the Ergonomic Assessment Necessary?
A sound occupational health strategy should be preventive and not merely corrective. However, immediate intervention with ergonomics services becomes imperative when:
- There are frequent complaints of musculoskeletal pain (such as discomfort in the neck and back) from staff.
- An increase in sick leave related to physical strain and reduced performance is observed.
- Remote work or working from home is widely applied, where controlling the equipment and conditions is more difficult.
- There is an office move, renovation or large-scale procurement of new equipment that requires the proper setup of workstations.
How to Book an Ergonomic Assessment at Your Workplace
The process for integrating ergonomics into your company is direct and simple. Follow the steps below to get started:
- Get in touch: Send us your request at info@workplace-physiocare.gr or fill in the contact form.
- Initial discussion: We arrange a short call to understand your needs (number of employees, location, current problems).
- Proposal & delivery: We send you a tailored proposal and set a date for the on-site or remote assessment (DSE Assessment).
Contact us today and see how ergonomics can have a positive impact on wellbeing in your organisation.
Blog written by Michail Arvanitidis
This information is general and does not replace individual medical or physiotherapy advice. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified health professional.
References:
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Working safely with display screen equipment (DSE).
- Hoe VC, Urquhart DM, Kelsall HL, Zamri EN, Sim MR. Ergonomic interventions for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10(10):CD008570.