I started my first company as an ergonomist Gezond Verzuim in 2003 in the stone age of offline video meetings. At the time, I carried out all my workstation assessments in person, on site.
Since I launched DeskGuru in 2020, I have carried out all but a few of my ergonomic workstation assessments online. Having now conducted thousands of meetings, I am convinced that online consultations work better. I do still notice some scepticism from time to time, and I fully understand why.
Although there are certainly some downsides too, of course I’ll start with the advantages!
Advantage: A more intimate atmosphere
Most people I speak to carry out the workstation assessment at their home office. Home is (for most people) a familiar, comfortable environment where it is easy to speak openly.
In my workplace assessments, I don’t just focus on the physical ergonomic aspects of the workspace; if I sense there is a need, I also discuss more sensitive topics such as workload, workplace atmosphere and potential mental health issues. I find that I can go much ‘deeper’ online and help clients more effectively than when I used to conduct all my workplace consultations on-site.
But even when a client is in the office during an online workplace assessment, the atmosphere is often more confidential because other colleagues cannot hear me speaking. Which, incidentally, is another bonus – I don’t disturb other colleagues with my physical presence!
Advantage: more privacy and fewer distractions
In the past, when I used to do workplace assessments exclusively on-site, and even now when I occasionally do a ‘live’ tour at clients’ offices, I’ve noticed that colleagues sitting close are keen to get involved. It seems to be a topic they enjoy discussing. I really appreciate that, but it does get a bit distracting! You don’t have that problem with an online consultation.
Advantage: substantially lower costs
An online workplace assessment with me costs €100 (for 45 minutes – including report), mainly because I don’t spend any time travelling (or having coffee and socialising). Most Arbodienst services in The Netherlands charge between €400 and over €600 for an on-site assessment. That’s a 5 to 8 times more!
The disadvantages of offline ergonomics
A key advantage of an on-site workstation assessment is that you can observe a client without them realising. In my previous role as an on-site workplace consultant, I often did this just before or after an appointment. This allowed me to spot ‘incorrect’ postures more quickly and easily. Once the workplace assessment has started, I don’t think there’s any difference between online and on-site assessments.
I once experienced a situation where a client was too nervous to try out the controls on an ergonomic office chair and became stressed. Eventually, they managed it, but if I’d been on-site, I probably could have reassured and helped the client more easily.
But… the client would probably have remembered less clearly what to do. Because clients adjust the settings themselves during the online workplace assessment, they learn to better understand and remember how, for example, the buttons on their chair work.
Do you work for an organisation that hasn’t yet properly organised ergonomic workplace assessments, or are you being referred by your Arbodienst? I’d be happy to offer you a free session to experience my service! Please contact me at sanne@deskguru.nl.