A sore back or strained eyes after a long workday are common complaints, but they don’t have to be a normal part of your job. The solution is ergonomics, the science of designing a work environment to fit the people in it. While many think ergonomics is just about having a good chair, it’s much more. It’s about improving how we interact with our tasks and tools to boost performance and prevent injury. The field is generally divided into three main categories that work together to create a healthy and productive space. Let’s explore the three types of workplace ergonomics: physical, cognitive, and organizational.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things so that people can interact with them as efficiently and safely as possible. At its core, the principle is simple: fit the job to the person, not the person to the job. The word itself comes from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomoi (natural laws), which translates to “the laws of work.”
The goal of ergonomics is to create a work environment that reduces the risk of injury or harm while improving job performance and productivity. Instead of expecting an employee to adapt to a poorly designed workstation, task, or tool, ergonomics focuses on changing those elements to fit the employee’s physical and mental capabilities. It considers everything from the height of a desk and the design of a keyboard to the clarity of software and the structure of a work shift.
The Three Types of Workplace Ergonomics
The field is generally divided into three main categories. Each one addresses a different aspect of your work life, and they all need to work in harmony to create a truly healthy and productive space.
Physical Ergonomics
This is the most well-known type of ergonomics. Physical ergonomics is concerned with the human body’s response to physical stress. It examines how your job, equipment, and surroundings impact your physical health. When a workspace is not set up correctly, it can cause everything from minor aches to chronic health conditions known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Physical ergonomics focuses on reducing strain on the body by looking at factors like:
- Posture while sitting or standing.
- Repetitive motions, such as typing.
- Forceful actions, like lifting or pushing.
- Workstation design, including desk and monitor height.
- Tool design for comfort and efficiency.
In an office, poor physical ergonomics could be a chair without proper back support or a monitor that is not at eye level. In an industrial setting, it might be lifting heavy items without mechanical aids. Ignoring these factors can lead to significant consequences. MSDs like carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic back pain are common work-related injuries that cause pain for employees and lead to increased absenteeism and lost productivity for companies.
Improving physical ergonomics involves practical changes, such as providing adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards, or lifting aids. The first step is to understand where your risks lie. You can get a preliminary idea of your company’s ergonomic health with a simple evaluation. For a clearer picture, you can use our free Ergonomic Risk Score tool to assess where your company stands.
Cognitive Ergonomics
While physical ergonomics looks at the body, cognitive ergonomics is about the brain. It is concerned with mental processes like perception, memory, and reasoning. In today’s information-driven workplaces, cognitive ergonomics is incredibly important for preventing mental fatigue and human error.
This branch of ergonomics aims to make tasks less mentally strenuous by improving things like:
- Mental workload and preventing information overload.
- Decision-making by presenting information clearly.
- Human-computer interaction through user-friendly software.
- Work stress management.
Think about using a new software program with a confusing interface. The frustration, mistakes, and wasted time are all results of poor cognitive ergonomics. Other examples include unclear instructions that lead to errors or a constant barrage of notifications that disrupt focus.
Improving cognitive ergonomics involves simplifying processes. This can mean adopting intuitive software, providing clear training materials, and designing workflows that reduce unnecessary mental load. When your brain isn’t overworked, you can focus better, make fewer mistakes, and be more productive.
Organizational Ergonomics
Organizational ergonomics, sometimes called macroergonomics, takes the widest view. It focuses on optimizing an organization’s structures, policies, and processes. It looks at the bigger picture, including job design, work schedules, communication, and overall company culture.
This type of ergonomics is about structuring work in a way that supports employees and the company as a whole. It involves aspects such as:
- Job design to make work engaging.
- Work schedules that promote health and alertness.
- Communication channels that are open and effective.
- Teamwork and collaborative structures.
- Company culture that values employee input and well-being.
A company with poor organizational ergonomics might have a rigid communication style or enforce long hours with few breaks, leading to burnout. Even with perfect chairs and software, a flawed organizational structure will undermine well-being and performance.
On the other hand, a business that excels in this area involves employees in decisions, offers flexible work arrangements, and fosters a positive culture. This approach improves job satisfaction, reduces turnover, and boosts overall quality and productivity.
Why Ergonomics is Good for a Workplace
Putting ergonomics into practice at work helps both employees and the company in many ways. It’s a smart choice that pays off for everyone.
1. It Saves Money
When work setups are safer, fewer people get injured. This means the company spends less money on medical bills and insurance costs for injuries like back pain or strained wrists.
2. People Get More Done
It’s easier to work when you are comfortable. If your chair doesn’t hurt your back or your screen doesn’t strain your eyes, you can focus better and work faster. This means more work gets done each day.
3. The Quality of Work Goes Up
People do better work when they feel good. If you aren’t distracted by a sore neck or a confusing computer program, you can concentrate more and make fewer mistakes.
4. It Makes Employees Happier
When a company spends money on good chairs or better lighting, it shows that it cares about its people. This makes employees feel valued and happier with their jobs, so they are more likely to stay.
5. It Creates a Safer Environment
Ergonomics is all about stopping injuries before they even happen. When a company focuses on this, it makes everyone think more about safety, which creates a safer workplace for all.
Your Partner in Building a Better Workplace
Creating a truly great workplace goes beyond a comfortable chair. It’s about ensuring your physical space, daily tasks, and company culture all work together to support your team’s well-being and productivity.
At Ergo Global, we make it easy to see the full picture. Our expert Ergonomics Assessments identify hidden risks and provide a clear, actionable plan for improvement. We can also empower your team with practical Ergonomics Training to build a safer and more efficient environment for the long term.
Ready to build a healthier, more productive team? Contact Ergo Global today.
