Why the Workplace Is Key to Flow, Ergonomics, and Productivity

Working smarter pays off

Many warehouses are investing heavily in automation, software, and scaling up operations. But it is the operators“ workstations, in particular, that largely determine how smoothly the process actually runs. Is the printer in the wrong place? Do employees have to keep searching for cardboard boxes? Or is the work height not properly adjusted to the employee or the task at hand? This leads to unnecessary movements, delays, and physical strain. According to Frodo Rijk, owner of Human Workspace, process improvement therefore starts at the workstation. ”An ergonomic and efficient workspace saves a lot of time in practice. Just as important is that such a workspace increases employee satisfaction and prevents absenteeism.”

Human Workspace develops and supplies ergonomic, modular workstations for the logistics sector, among others. The company’s extensive product line is unique within the industry and allows it to respond flexibly to a wide range of customer needs.

Future-proof

This flexibility is becoming increasingly important. After all, warehouses are changing rapidly due to growth, seasonal peaks, digitization, and automation. “You need to be able to adapt your workstation quickly and efficiently so you can continue to use it in the future,” says Rijk. That makes a workstation not only ergonomic but also sustainable. A table used today as a packing station can, with minor adjustments, later become part of an automated line. Think of connections to conveyors, IT hardware, or systems where operators enter or check products. And almost everything we supply can be adjusted without tools.”

From Ergonomics to Efficiency

When designing workstations, Human Workspace begins with an on-site analysis. “It starts with the right height. That can vary depending on the employee, product, and task. Next come the details that often have a significant impact in practice: the placement of monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, packaging materials, and tools. Anything that’s too high, too far away, or has to be searched for over and over again costs time and energy,” says Rijk. By logically positioning materials, screens, and tools in the workspace, walking distances are reduced, and the operator can work faster, more consistently, and more comfortably. This has a direct impact on processing speed and, ultimately, on the warehouse’s output.

Human Workspace works with the client to design the most suitable workspace

To this end, they draw on the broad expertise they have built up across various industries—not only in logistics but also in assembly, high-tech, and automotive. “Our products are therefore fully aligned with the principles of lean logistics and continuous improvement.”

Lean Logistics

One example is the flexible Treston workstation systems for manual order packing, which Human Workspace installed at PostNL. The height-adjustable packing tables are designed so that employees do not have to reach or lean unnecessarily. Monitors are mounted on adjustable arms, and packing materials are within easy reach. In addition, a pick-to-light solution—controlled by the WMS—was chosen so that the packer can immediately see what action is required. In this way, the workstations contribute to a more efficient packing process and a pleasant work environment.

During the construction of bol.com’s fulfillment center, the focus was also on fast order processing combined with a comfortable workspace for operators. That is why Human Workspace designed and installed various workstations. In the goods receiving area, there is now a mobile table for Value Added Services activities. Scattered throughout the building are several troubleshooting tables, and for the outbound area, various packing tables have been set up, supplemented with packing carts and packing accessories.