The workforce shortages experienced across supply chains don’t show any signs of letting up. According to a recent Descartes survey of North American and European logistics leaders, 76% report serious labor shortfalls. Of those, 37% describe the shortage as a significant impediment to business growth. In response, companies are employing a range of hiring and retention strategies. Among these are the addition of advanced technologies designed to make jobs both easier and more rewarding, such as ergonomic equipment.

Adding ergonomic equipment to distribution and manufacturing operations reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with repetitive, strenuous tasks. That, in turn, makes jobs featuring these solutions more appealing to prospective new hires. They can also entice existing employees to stay with a company rather than looking for a less onerous job, said Virginia Archambault, Marketing Manager at Southworth International Group, Inc. The company is a member of the Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment (EASE) Council.

“A well-designed, well equipped work environment can be a great selling feature, helping to attract and retain the employees needed to build and grow a quality organization,” she explained. “An employer’s investment in ergonomic material handling equipment and solutions shows current and prospective employees that their wellbeing and safety are important. It also shows that they are valued and appreciated for their skills — not just their physical capabilities and stamina.”

Ergonomic Equipment Makes Jobs More Pleasant

Less than ideal (or poor) ergonomic conditions can be a breeding ground for turnover. Workers who do stay and work in those conditions may experience a negative impact to their long-term wellbeing and prompt them to leave, continued Archambault.

“Ergonomic equipment is designed to minimize the need for repetitive movement,” she explained. “That allows workers to perform a wider variety of tasks and experience less fatigue. In turn, their engagement and job satisfaction improves, resulting in them adding more value to their work and their organization.”

That, in turn, can make the difference for prospective employees deciding among multiple job offers, said Grant Welch, National Sales Manager of Handling Systems at Schmalz. The company is also a member of the EASE Council.

“When you’re trying to make your labor pool bigger and be competitive with the other companies that are out there, ergonomic equipment can make the difference,” he noted. “By making it easier for employees to come in and enjoy doing the job from day one, they’re less likely to leave.”

Ergonomic equipment can be even more compelling than financial incentives, added Welch.

“A lot of companies try the sign-on bonuses, the retention bonuses, and things like that. That does have some impact, but at the end of the day, employees still have other companies that they can go to,” he noted. “If they come in and it’s a hot environment or a hard job, they’ll just find someplace else. Ergonomic equipment — such as lift aids — are an easy way for a company to make a job as pleasant as possible.”

Ergonomic Solutions Make Jobs More Appealing Across Multiple Industries

EASE Council members offer a range of ergonomic equipment that makes jobs less taxing and more appealing to current and potential employees across a host of industries. These include manufacturing, assembly, transportation, wood and metal processing, warehousing, distribution, and specialized food, beverage and drug applications.

Among these solutions are easy-to-operate technologies with intuitive designs that bring the work to the worker, noted Archambault.

“Industrial ergonomic equipment for material handling includes systems for vertical lifting and work positioning,” she said. “By reducing or eliminating the need for reaching, bending, and stretching, these solutions help workers be more comfortable, less fatigued, and ultimately more productive — and motivated. That improves productivity while reducing the potential for injuries.”

Lift assist devices are another type of ergonomic equipment that can make repetitive, strenuous work more appealing. Solutions such as vacuum lifters, intelligent lifting devices, and workstation cranes permit a single operator to lift and lower heavy objects with minimal effort. This not only reduces injury risks, but also increases operational efficiency as only one associate can lift loads that previously required two or more.

Another productivity enhancer are mobile ergonomic solutions, such as electric tuggers and carts outfitted with powered drive wheels. Both enable operators to move more items throughout an operation in a single trip. Even manual carts can become more ergonomic when equipped with the optimal wheels or casters. With them, an associate experiences substantially lower pushing and pulling forces, requiring less effort to start or stop a cart’s motion.

“Wherever people are lifting and positioning items, handling pallets, working with parts in containers or transporting loads, ergonomic equipment helps make the work they do easier and more efficient. That can make a significant impact on an operation’s ability to become an employer of choice,” concluded Archambault.

Learn More About Applying Ergonomic Equipment for Recruitment and Retention

Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment (EASE) Council members often work together to help supply chain facilities enhance both ergonomics and productivity. Members recently presented a panel discussion of tips for successful ergonomic equipment installations. The association also offers complimentary educational resources, case studies, videos, and seminars on its website.