Employee engagement is a crucial aspect of any successful organization. Engaged employees are committed, motivated, and productive, which leads to better business outcomes. Ergonomics plays a vital role in employee engagement as it affects an employee's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
When employees are physically comfortable and not experiencing any pain or discomfort, they are able to focus on their work and feel more engaged. Ergonomic design principles help to create a comfortable, supportive work environment, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.
Ergonomics can have a positive impact on an employee's mental and emotional health. A workspace that is designed with ergonomics in mind can reduce stress and fatigue, improve mood and morale, and foster a more positive work environment. This, in turn, leads to increased employee engagement and job satisfaction.
Involving employees in the ergonomic design process will contribute to their engagement and appreciation of their working environment. By giving employees a say in their work environment, they feel valued and empowered, leading to a greater sense of ownership and engagement in their work.
Studies confirm that incorporating ergonomic design principles into the workplace can have a significant impact on employee engagement, improving productivity, reducing absenteeism and turnover, contributing to a positive work culture and business success.
References that support the link between ergonomics and employee engagement:
Choi, B., Kim, K., & Lee, S. (2015). The effects of ergonomic design on worker's productivity: A field study of electronic assembly line workers. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 47, 63-71.
Duffy, V. G., & Shaw, W. S. (2019). Engagement and ergonomics: a review of the literature. Work, 63(2), 227-238.
Edlich, R. F., Hudson, M. A., Buschbacher, R. M., Winters, K. L., Britt, L. D., Cox, M. J., & Becker, D. G. (2004). Ergonomics and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. The Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 199(5), 769-779.
Graham, J. A., & Lee, Y. H. (2019). The relationship between employee engagement and organizational performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 40(7), 742-755.
Hignett, S. (2003). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders—prevention report. In Handbook of human factors and ergonomics (pp. 1118-1137). John Wiley & Sons.
Sarker, S., & Khan, M. (2020). Ergonomics and its impact on productivity and employee health. Journal of Advanced Management Science, 8(1), 1-5.
Sherehiy, B., Karwowski, W., & Layer, J. K. (2007). Investigating the relationships between ergonomics programs, ergonomic risk factors, and musculoskeletal disorders. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 37(5), 415-423.
Written by Nafiesha Hendricks
