Prioritising the health and comfort of pregnant employees is essential in office environments. The choice of office furniture becomes a whole lot more important. You may think there are minimal risks in office spaces where no physical activity is required, but this isn’t exactly true.
Even roles that don’t involve manual labour or heavy lifting can have adverse effects on wellbeing. Taking frequent breaks, maintaining good posture, and having an office chair suitable for pregnant employees will all contribute to a better experience.
You must ensure they have a comfortable workstation first and foremost. In addition to this, offering support and carrying out the necessary legal risk assessments is key to effectively managing the health and safety of any pregnant workers during their time in the office.
Continue reading for more tips and advice in our office guide to comfort during pregnancy.
Common work related risks during pregnancy
Risk factors during pregnancy depend on personal circumstances, requirements and pre-existing health conditions – but there are some common risks to be aware of:
- Lifting and carrying heavy objects: Moving heavy objects or stock on delivery can become more challenging during pregnancy and should be minimised or avoided entirely if possible.
- Standing or sitting for long periods: Doing either of these can cause fatigue, swelling, cramps, and discomfort. It’s important to switch between the two and having an electric desk can help with this. Raising the desk and standing from time to time will improve blood flow and prevent fatigue.
- Exposure to infections: If their role involves frequent interaction with the public or working in healthcare, the risk of infection increases.
- Stress: Work-related stress, long hours, shift work, and increased fatigue can negatively impact mental health during pregnancy.
- Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures, working at height, or working in isolation can increase physical strain and mental stress.
- Travel considerations: Commuting is rarely ever a barrel of laughs, whether it’s road traffic or a failing train time schedule, it can be a highly stressful part of the day, particularly for a pregnant person. If travel causes excessive tiredness or discomfort, adjustments should be made.
Considering ergonomics and posture
Proper ergonomic support is crucial during pregnancy to prevent discomfort, reduce strain, and promote long term wellbeing. Their workstation should be reassessed and altered appropriately to prevent musculoskeletal issues, improve circulation, and maintain overall productivity.
Investing in proper ergonomic support, such as an office chair for pregnancy, benefits both the mother and baby by minimising physical discomfort. These simple adjustments ensure expectant mothers can continue working comfortably and safely throughout pregnancy.
We’ve covered some equipment and advice you can use to optimise your workspace below.
Adjustable chair
Ergonomic office chairs offer adjustable height, back support and armrests to maintain a neutral posture. They help to distribute weight evenly, reducing lower back pressure. Offering pregnant employees the freedom to adjust their comfort throughout the day will ease discomfort and provide better support for their changing bodies.
Lumbar support
Pregnancy shifts the body's centre of gravity and increases strain on the lower back. If you place a small cushion or rolled up towel behind the ower back, it may provide necessary support and prevent you from slouching. However, it would be much more useful to purchase proper additional lumbar support. You could instead invest in an orthopaedic office chair or even an executive office chair if this is within your budget.
Footrest
Keeping feet flat on the floor or using a footrest helps to maintain good circulation and reduces swelling. It can also help to alleviate strain on the lower back and pelvis. Many women experience swelling in the ankles and feet towards the later stages of pregnancy, so a footrest can be a godsend!
Monitor positioning
Your monitor positioning should comply with the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) workstation checklist. Each monitor should be positioned at eye level to prevent neck and shoulder strain. Looking down at a screen for prolonged periods can lead to poor posture and discomfort.
Keyboard and mouse placement
Both the keyboard and mouse should be placed at a comfortable distance to avoid reaching, which can cause wrist and shoulder strain. Wrist rests and clip-on armrests can be added to your workstation to prevent strain caused by repetitive movements.
Frequent standing breaks
Make sure to encourage pregnant employees to stand up and stretch, maybe even walk around a little, every 30 to 60 minutes to prevent stiffness. This will also improve circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate back strain.
Workplace adjustments and employer responsibilities
All employers have a legal duty to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This covers more than just an office chair for pregnancy UK-wide. You should have open communication with them about their needs for a safe and comfortable working environment. Adjust as necessary, and keep checking in on their wellbeing throughout the full term.
Adjustments to consider
Making adjustments for pregnant women is essential to their performance, wellbeing and overall job satisfaction. More than anything, they should feel safe, supported and comfortable at work, and there are many things you can do to ensure this:
- Flexible or remote working: Changing start and finish times can help manage fatigue and potential morning sickness, and also the stress of travelling into work. If it’s possible, working from home a few days a week can help reduce commuting stress too.
- Frequent rest breaks: We’ve mentioned this a few times before but it is incredibly important so worth mentioning again. Short breaks throughout the day can improve comfort and productivity, relieving stress and fatigue.
- Reduced task load: Delegating physically demanding tasks can help prevent strain. Discuss ways of working that will alleviate physical and mental strain, taking into consideration any additional side effects such as sciatica and pelvic girdle pain.
- Hydration and nutrition: Employers should ensure that pregnant employees can easily access water and nutrition as and when needed, and not just at designated times.
Maternity leave and planning ahead
Planning for maternity leave early can help reduce stress as your employee’s due date approaches. Review your company’s maternity leave policy and discuss their intended leave dates. If you have somebody filling in their position as maternity cover, you should prepare for a smooth handover in advance to prevent stress later on. Document key responsibilities and inform colleagues about ongoing projects. After maternity leave, some employees prefer a gradual or phased return to ease back into work, which is something to consider.
Even more comfort from Order Office Furniture!
If you’re looking for ergonomic office furniture to support your comfort during pregnancy, our team is here to help. Do you already have a baby crawling around your office space? Check out our other blog – 7 Proven Ways to Combat Office Distractions – and thank us later!
We have a range of products to make your office space more comfortable, including modern office sofas, fabric office chairs, and luxurious executive office desks.
To speak to a member of our team please do get in touch or call 0800 055 6209. If you would prefer to see us in person, you can see our full range of office furniture by making an appointment at our showroom in Huddersfield.
