· 13% of chairs used in banks have no adjustment features at all. · 49% of chairs used in banks lack armrest adjustment and 41% still lack back recline. · 41% of bank employees work 9 hours per day, while 28% work 10 hours or more. · Seek to acquire 16% market share by 2025 in the workspace furniture segment.

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture solutions brand, in home and institutional segments, has revealed findings from their exclusive study ‘Wellbeing at Work in the Banking Sector’. The study revealed that employees of banks spend long periods of time on screens, monitoring real-time data, answering online customer questions, and keeping systems updated, which is physically and mentally strenuous. The survey found that not all banks are measuring up to importance of well-being, and do not yet have the necessary resources to foster a healthy work environment. A total of 250 bankers participated in the research, working for both public and private sector banks. The survey attempted to understand the extent of awareness among employees about right work postures, work-desk ergonomics, and overall wellbeing.

According to the research study, most banks lack ergonomic infrastructure, which contributes to unhealthy ergonomic postures among bank employees who sit for long periods of time. 49% of the chairs in banks lack armrest adjustments and 41% still lack back recline. The percentage of people in pain is significantly higher in the segment of workers over 26, and the numbers continue to rise as they age, showing that age may be a key factor in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

The study also reveals that 85% desk used by the bank employees lacks height adjustment and 31% states that there is lack of space below the desk. An overarching worry uncovered in the study was 69% employees are facing lower back pain, 62% facing neck pain, 59% facing eye strain and headache due to awkward postures and long screen time without necessary breaks. The research indicated that employees in customer interfacing roles need rejuvenation areas in workplaces to prevent fatigue and mental burnout. In addition to this, the research study revealed that 41% bank lacks staff lounge and 31% lacks comfortable furniture in staff lounge in rejuvenation areas in workplaces.

Sameer Joshi, Vice President, Marketing (B2B), Godrej Interio said: “India’s banking sector is seeing meteoric growth on the back of robust demand. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) estimates, by 2025, India’s fintech market is expected to reach INR 6.2 trillion. Yet, the study conducted by Godrej Interio’s Workspace and Ergonomic Research Cell suggests that, both public and private sector banks need to focus on creating environments conducive to employee wellbeing. Bankers now spend long and often stressful hours multitasking between digital screens on one side of their desks and sitting across the table with customers who visit the branch physically for assistance. This research study aims to help banks design relevant workplace with well-planned and ergonomic infrastructure to keep MSDs at bay. Banks, the epicentre of a nation's financial framework, must ensure good health and wellbeing of their employees while at work. Prolonged working hours, extended use of gadgets, inadequate breaks, lack of awareness of right postures while working, inappropriate infrastructure, and inefficient space design can have a severe effect on employee health, thereby affecting their overall wellbeing. At Godrej Interio, we are seeing demand for ergonomic furniture in the banking sector and are looking to grow the segment by 21% in this financial year.”

He further added, “Organisations must help teams brace against the potentially limiting repercussions of bad ergonomics. They must lead by example and foster a healthy working environment while focusing on supporting employee wellbeing, productivity, and growth. 

Godrej Interio is poised to further expand its footprint in the workspace furniture segment with an aim to achieve 16% market share by 2025. The Ergonomics and Research Cell at Godrej Interio is constantly directing its efforts towards ensuring the creation and curation of customized products & solutions that meet the needs of discerning customers and enhance their experience. The brand’s efforts in this direction are the reason it enjoys high brand-loyalty from its customers.