A recent research paper revealed that as many as 20% of people at work have difficulties because they are left handed. You can read more about the research here.
Is it a problem… well yes it is…
“Left handers face real, practical challenges at work, from conducting simple tasks, such as having to use right handed scissors that don’t cut, to persevering with entire workstations being laid out incorrectly, making them difficult and uncomfortable to use.”
Key findings:
- The majority of UK employers (96.7%) don’t ask new employees if they are left handed
- Only a quarter of businesses (25.4%) provide left handed staff with specialist office equipment and stationery
- 82.4 percent of employees believe that employers have a duty of care to ensure left handed staff have adequate tools in the workplace
- A further five percent of the UK’s working population is ambidextrous, and would like the choice of left or right-handed equipment
So this is a serious issue for as many as 20% of those that as HR Professionals, Directors or Business Owners you are overseeing.
What can you do to help?
I thought it would be helpful for me to provide some assistance.
You can visit Posturite who have a fantastic article that provides some great advice as to how to make a workstation left hander friendly. For example, when setting a new employee’s workstation ask them if they have a preference. It would only take a few minutes and would demonstrate that you are an employer who goes over and above the norm to ensure that everyone feels included. Paying attention to the little things really can make a big difference – pardon the pun.
You can also get in touch with me directly here if you prefer.
Chris Catt