30% of Belgian office workers suffer from headaches after work on a weekly basis

The findings demonstrate just how necessary that is. In addition to headaches, eye problems are also common: 1 in 4 employees experience blurred vision (25%) or eye irritation (27%) after a workday, while half of all employees suffer from eye strain (50%). According to Bram Van de Velde, Ergonomics Prevention Advisor at IDEWE, headaches and eye problems after a workday can have many causes, including insufficient movement, inadequate lighting, noise and poor air quality:

“Office workers often do not take the time to go for a short walk, even though doing so not only improves concentration but also reduces the likelihood of headaches later in the day. At the same time, we should not overlook the work environment itself. For example, 30% of employees find the office too noisy. Lighting and air quality also play an important role: 10% consider their workplace insufficiently or unpleasantly lit, 9% experience a distracting glare on their screens, and 14% report air that is too dry or stale. A healthy workplace therefore requires attention to both employee behaviour and the environment in which people work.”

Absenteeism due to musculoskeletal complaints

Even more prevalent are back pain (50%), shoulder pain (28%) and neck pain (41%)². These complaints not only affect wellbeing but also lead to actual absenteeism. 3% of employees have already been absent from work for more than seven days due to back and neck complaints. In addition, 16% experience wrist and hand problems.

“These complaints are primarily linked to workstation setup: the desk, chair, monitor height, keyboard and mouse positioning, and so on. Unfortunately, many people still pay too little attention to these aspects. Many employees continue to adjust their chairs and desks incorrectly, or use office equipment with limited adjustability. This is especially the case when working from home: 73% use office chairs that are poorly adjusted or cannot be adjusted at all, compared to 67% in the office. Similarly, 30% work at a desk that is not properly adjusted, compared to 20% in the office. We strongly encourage employers to raise awareness and invest more in this area. In the long term, these investments can pay off through reduced absenteeism.”

For that reason, IDEWE is sharing a number of tips for employees to create a more ergonomic workspace, both at home and in the office.

• Tip 1: Get some fresh air

  Spending an entire workday indoors is not ideal. Make sure to take a short walk during the day, preferably in a green environment. Not only does this improve concentration and productivity, it also helps you stay active and gives your eyes and mind a chance to rest.

• Tip 2: Stay hydrated

  Dehydration can contribute to headaches, especially when combined with a poorly ventilated workspace. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to avoid ending the day with a headache.

• Tip 3: Look away from your screen regularly

  Spending an entire day in front of a computer can strain the eyes. If you are working at a screen for prolonged periods, regularly look away from your screen to allow your eye muscles to relax. Glasses designed for computer use may also provide relief.

A healthy work environment, both at home and in the office, is a shared responsibility. Employers should continue raising awareness about proper workstation setup and pay attention to a range of environmental factors when designing office spaces. 

A few tips for employers:

• Tip 1: Provide high-quality, properly adjustable office chairs

  Offer adjustable office chairs that allow employees to adapt seat height, seat depth and lower back support to their body. If armrests are included, they should be positioned at elbow height with shoulders remaining relaxed.

• Tip 2: Ensure desks are at the same height as the elbows or armrests, when possible

  Make sure there is sufficient workspace. If a desk is too low, safely raise it so that the work surface is at elbow height.

• Tip 3: Don’t forget the home office

  Especially when employees work remotely on a regular basis, providing a budget for an ergonomic home workstation will pay for itself through lower absenteeism caused by musculoskeletal complaints.