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Situation
Sarah had been working for her current employer for five years. She was passionate
about her job and enjoyed working for her company. Unfortunately, one day, while leaving
work, Sarah was involved in a terrible accident that caused an unforeseen back injury. She was
grateful for the time off she was able to take to heal and attend rehab. However, even after
feeling better, Sarah was still concerned about returning to work, knowing that sitting for
extended periods could cause her pain. She expressed her concerns with her employer and was
advised that she could bring anything needed to make her time there more comfortable. Sarah
was partially confused as she thought that accommodations would be made for her. Her manager
insisted that there was nothing that could be done on the company end, unfortunately. Sarah’s
first week back to work was terrible, and her job performance was reflective of this. Ergonomic
stressors, like poorly designed workstations, can increase the risk of worsening current injuries
or developing other serious health conditions.
Research
Creating a comfortable and safe work environment for employees can play a significant
role in job satisfaction, and ergonomics is one of the key factors to consider (Gumasing et al.,
2023). Ergonomics aims to examine the behavioral, physiological, and psychological factors and
capabilities that influence work (Gumasing et al., 2023). Nasirzadeh et al. (2023) conducted a
study that determined different ergonomic designs that some employers such as Amazon use for
the benefit of their employees. They found that physical ergonomics is frequently applied in
various purposes, including the design of chairs, the manufacturing of computer parts, and the
fabrication of personal protective equipment such as hearing to name a few (Nasirzadeh et al.,
2023). They found that several other researchers conducted concluded that by prioritizing
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ergonomic design principles and implementing effective interventions, organizations can create
safer, healthier, and more supportive work environments for their employees (Nasirzadeh et al.,
2023). Making ergonomic interventions in the workplace can help increase productivity by
lowering the chance of work-related injuries and discomfort.
Practical Application
Through her research, Sarah amassed sufficient information to present to her employer,
advocating for accommodations. She specifically requested a sit-stand desk to enable
adjustments throughout the day, addressing her discomfort. Additionally, she sought a new chair
with lumbar support and a headrest to facilitate upright sitting. Recognizing Sarah's value as a
dedicated employee, her employer understood the potential cost of losing her. Consequently,
Sarah was provided with the requested accommodations, resulting in improved performance and
a newfound sense of trust in her company. Feeling valued and appreciated, Sarah's experience
prompted her employer to consider implementing a new policy offering accommodations for all
employees.
Discussion
When employees are comfortable and have proper support in their work environments,
they are less likely to be distracted or interrupted, allowing them to focus more effectively on
their tasks and responsibilities. Organizations can reduce healthcare costs and improve their
bottom line by reducing workers' compensation claims and lost workdays. Employee’s loyalty
can be strengthened when the employer invests in measures to protect employee well-being. This
can lead to higher engagement and retention levels.
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References
Gumasing MJJ, Rendon ERA, German JD. Sustainable Ergonomic Workplace: Fostering Job
Satisfaction and Productivity among Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
Workers.BSustainability. 2023; 15(18):13516. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813516
Nasirzadeh,BN.,BBOmari Shekaftik,BS., &BBKeshavarz,BZ.B(2023).BBBenefits of nanotechnology for
occupational ergonomic design: A positive step toward more protection of
workers'Bhealth.BHuman Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service
Industries,BB33,BB490–498.Bhttps://doi.org/10.1002/hfm.21003
