FOCUS ERGONOMICS
AGILE SOLUTIONS
Darren Hilliker, Architecture & Design Manager at CMD Ltd, discusses the risks of poor
ergonomics in hot desking and agile working environments and suggests some solutions
With both the Government and many employers keen to get people
back into the o ice aŠ er so much disruption and so many false
dawns, the FM sector is grappling with the challenges of what the o ice
needs to look like now. Not only is there a continuing emphasis on keeping
everyone safe from the virus, there has also been a cultural shiŠ . Few
employers or employees expect a return to old o ice layouts or prepandemic
work routines.
The agile oœ ice we used to talk about now needs to be a reality. It must
provide workers with the flexibility to turn up, plug in and get on with their job
for as many days a week as their company policy mandates, or where more
choice is permitted, in line with their own preferences. The pandemic and the
homeworking revolution it brought about have been the catalyst required
to making hot desking more accepted. And at a time when climate change is
28 MARCH 2022
high on the media and political agenda, hot desking practices must also align
with many company’s sustainability goals from the paperless oœ ice to reduced
carbon emissions due to fewer journeys to work.
For the FM, the task is complex, involving new layouts, changes to building
services, desk booking systems and cleaning regimes. Amongst all of those
practical considerations, it’s important to keep sight of the employee and
what it means for their wellbeing when they are potentially using a diœ erent
workstation every day.
EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT
With all the stresses and strains of lockdowns and furlough, much of the
wellbeing focus for employers has been on mental rather than physical health.