We’ve already learned three reasons why the walkstation works and when successfully implemented, it is an amazing tool to add movement into your day!
Have you heard the news that sitting at your office workstation for hours on end isn’t healthy? It can lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders but also many other health issues. The walking workstation has been introduced as a possible solution for these problems. Its creators and users feel it can help to decrease fatigue, provide a body break, improve cognitive ability and overall well-being.
Successfully implemented, the walking workstation could be one office design tool to help your employees. Before you purchase one you should have a plan in place to ensure it is successfully implemented!
Here are some steps to follow to make it a success:
- Ensure all of the right parties have been involved in the purchase decision; Human Resources, Safety, Legal, Facilities and Employee Representatives.
- Find an appropriate location that is visible to encourage use but semi-private to protect from noise from the treadmill or any conversations. Make sure you have the required ergonomic equipment in place for use on the workstation (external keyboard and mouse, monitor)
- Develop a promotion plan exalting the benefits of its use, how people can sign up and how it is used. Promotion should happen before the workstation is implemented and continue on a regular basis to remind people it is there. Use your company intranet, posters in common areas and a BIG BIG promotion on Day 1.
- Provide employees with training on important factors/reminders when using the workstation i.e. appropriate footwear (no high heels), type of work that is best completed on the treadmill (no work that requires attention to small details), safety features and how to operate the workstation. Provide a “cheat sheet” at the workstation to help each employee set it up when they arrive.
- Place the sign-up sheet in a high visible location. Alternately, electronic sign up from a main page of an intranet site would be ideal. Everyone can then access and see if it if busy.
- Collect stats on the use and feedback from both employees that use and do not use it. Tweak your program based on results. This will also help guide you on the uptake and need for another station.
The walking workstation is one way to provide your employees an opportunity to add movement to their day while maintaining productivity. When introduced with a plan for training, use and promotion, the adoption and user benefits will be high.
We would love to hear about your experience with walking workstations! Tell us in the comments!!
Authors: Jennifer Sheppard, Kelly Hogan, Melissa Statham
Why Sandalwood?
We are a one-stop-shop for launching job rotation for any employer from conception to implementation. Our experts tailor our services to meet the needs of our customers by collaborating with them throughout the entire process. We do not offer cookie cutter solutions for job rotation because the needs of employers vary significantly.
Why Sandalwood?
Sandalwood is pleased to offer solutions above and beyond the traditional ergonomic assessments. With an in-depth knowledge of various digital human modelling software suites, integration and adoption to your health and safety programs has never been easier. Sandalwood is experienced in ergonomic program design as well as industry leaders in digital human modelling services. We have a diverse team that is able the leverage the results from the digital human model to provide in depth risk assessments of future designs and current state. Sandalwood is also able to pair these assessments with expertise and provide guidance on the best solution for you. Sandalwood is also on the forefront of emerging technologies and able to integrate Motion capture, Wearables, and extended or virtual reality into your ergonomic program.
