TAKE A STAND
White collar workers want wellbeing in 2020. Cara Jenkin reports
THREE-quarters of white collar workers are more likely to accept a job if an ergonomic working environment is offered – and would leave a job if their employer did not care about wellbeing.
Smarter, greener, and healthier workplaces also has been listed as one of five key trends to infiltrate more workplaces in 2020.
Research by workplace wellness firm Kensington finds 4.9 million Australian workers want healthier and more comfortable workspaces, such as standing desks and gel desktop accessories, otherwise they would not want the job.
It reveals 82 per cent of workers want to use ergonomic support equipment while working, and 90 per cent believe it is their boss’s responsibility to provide it, to reduce long-term health risks.
Various scientific research has found sitting for prolonged periods can increase the risk of health problems, ranging from heart disease to depression.
The Kensington research finds 38 per cent of workers have had to take sick leave because of pain induced by bad posture, and 40 per cent say sitting down all day affects their happiness.
Product manager James Dibou says the research also finds the 5.7 million workers cite being uncomfortable at work affects their productivity.
“We have seen a notable shift from ergonomic workplace solutions being deemed a fad to a necessity, and this research reflects that attitude change,” he says. “Australians want to be comfortable at work – which means they can work harder, smarter and be happy and healthier at the end of the day.”
Meanwhile, recruitment firm Adecco lists purpose-built or revamped office spaces that support activity-based work and a healthier work environment as a trend to increase in 2020.
Chief executive Rafael Moyano says more employees will be able to choose from workspaces depending on their tasks, rather than be assigned a desk.
“From standing desks for individual working and creative spaces for collaboration, smart buildings will also feature energysaving devices, greenery for better air quality and better ways to recycle and reuse items once thrown away after a single use,” he says.