kinnarps-sustainability-report-2023

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challenge

2030 long-term goal

objective

A holistic perspective

on ergonomics

Our goal is to create working environments that promote

the health and well-being of everyone who spends time there.

Holistic ergonomics is central to our interior design solutions,

and our products are inclusive and customised to human needs.

This goal is linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 3,

‘Good health and well-being’ and no. 4 ‘Quality education’.

Movement and variation We spend a lot of our

waking hours sitting still, which can increase the risk

of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, stroke

and depression. By integrating customisation, move-

ment and variation into our products and solutions,

we can create ergonomic working environments that

minimise various kinds of health risks. Our challenge

is that employees don’t always understand how

to use the products correctly, which means that the

positive effect is lost and the investment is ineffective.

Behavioural changes The surroundings are also

important when it comes to an ergonomic and sus-

tainable working environment. Acoustics, lighting and

ventilation affect our energy levels, and how spending

time in the space makes us feel. It’s therefore import-

ant that each individual has the ability to determine

and influence their immediate surroundings.

Rules for how the spaces should be used, such as

quiet zones for concentration, further enhance this.

One challenge for us is to contribute to behavioural

changes, so that users learn how to make the most

of the opportunities in a varied space.

See the whole picture But it’s not just the

ergonomics of using the product that’s important

to bear in mind. It’s also important to consider all

situations involving the product – such as cleaning,

moving or storing. A lightweight chair with easy

suspension improves ergonomics for cleaning

staff, castors may make moving the chair easier,

and foldability and stackability simplify storing it.

One challenge for us is therefore to take a holistic

approach to ergonomics during product development,

in order to include several areas of use.