Holistic ergonomics

At Kinnarps, ergonomics is about looking at the big picture. We call it holistic ergonomics, meaning the complete experience of a space. A perspective that takes all factors of ergonomics into consideration. Think of our products like instruments in an orchestra. They can perform extraordinary things individually, but they’re not meant to go solo. It’s impossible to do better business, reduce sick leave or injuries and foster a sound working environment if things are unbalanced and untuned. You need harmony.

Let’s create it together.

Behind the scenes

The idea behind harmony
in holistic ergonomics

This is how we created harmony

5 reasons to create harmony at work

Lower your costs

It’s hard to focus and difficult to perform when you’re working in an uncomfortable posture in an inharmonious environment. You lose time and make mistakes. Ergonomic changes will improve your productivity and increase your accuracy. It’s a fact.

Reduce sick leave

Holistic ergonomics can significantly decrease everything from day-to-day physical pain in the human body to long-term sick leave caused by things like stress and anxiety. A healthy, happy and harmonious co-worker can thrive at work. It’s that simple.

Boost morale

Pain, frustration, stress and other discomforts caused by a dysfunctional working environment are demoralizing and can become a breeding ground for dissatisfaction. Holistic ergonomics will boost employee morale. It’s common sense.

Empower everyone

By involving people in the design of your working environment you’ll increase staff satisfaction and transform co-workers into ambassadors. Ergonomics will also enhance your organization’s image and create a better working climate. It’s a promise.

Always on the move

When you’re encouraging movement and promoting different variants of sitting and standing, magic things happen. You’ll prevent postural defects, boost the metabolism and improve collaboration between people. It’s a guarantee.

ARTICLES AND INSIGHTS ABOUT HOLISTIC ERGONOMICS

Learn to play your instruments

The physical environment

The physical aspects of holistic ergonomics revolve around the physical space. It’s primarily things like furniture, layout, air, temperature, light, colour, materials, sound and movement. Factors like human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and anthropometrics are important as they relate to physical activity as well as the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. In short, this part of ergonomics focuses on all the things that you can feel and experience with your senses. Research shows that a successful implementation of a good physical environment makes people healthier and happier due to improved well-being. This in turn, has positive effects and leads to increased creativity, productivity and efficiency.

In tune with your surroundings

The organisational and social factors

Furniture and other elements of the physical space are important pieces of the puzzle, but not enough to create a harmonious whole. You must also take the organisational and social factors of ergonomics into consideration. Things like culture, leadership, individuality, inclusion, behaviour and etiquette highly affect the experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in the best chair ever made, if you’re unable to function due to a lack of leadership or a bad culture. In order to add new insights, uncover blind spots and create an environment where people reach their full potential, you must look at ergonomics from broader perspective. It’s crucial for performance and productivity, just like the chair itself.

Getting the band together

The merging of worlds

Holistic ergonomics combines elements from different perspectives. Think of it like a band. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rock band or a classical ensemble, your success depends on the same basic things. You need instruments, professionalism, rehearsals, song writing skills and above all devoted musicians. That’s why you should adapt your ergonomic solution for the job at hand and apply an approach based on your vision, identified needs and actual working methods. Holistic ergonomics is a perfect tool to involve and empower people, and to establish a sense of belonging. Ergonomics, just like music, is a positive reinforcement for ideas, creativity and collaboration. It brings people, products and processes together.