When you think about ergonomics, adjustable office chairs, proper lifting techniques, and a workspace tailored for ease of use probably come to mind. While the physical aspects are important, they work in conjunction with cognitive and organizational ergonomics for a workplace trifecta. Addressing the three types of ergonomics can contribute to greater job satisfaction, enhanced performance, and improved well-being. 

This blog will review physical ergonomics as well as dive into cognitive and organizational ergonomics. 

Physical Ergonomics

Physical ergonomics refers to the study and design of the physical aspects of a work environment to optimize human performance and well-being. It involves creating a workspace that minimizes physical strain, discomfort, and the risk of injury, allowing employees to work efficiently and comfortably. 

Key aspects of physical ergonomics include:

• Workstation Design: Designing and arranging furniture, equipment, and tools to support proper posture and body mechanics. It involves considerations like desk height, chair adjustability, monitor positioning, and keyboard and mouse placement.
• Proper Body Mechanics: Promoting proper lifting, carrying, bending, and reaching techniques to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Movement and Posture: Encourage employees to take short breaks for stretching or performing simple exercises to help reduce the strain on muscles and joints.
• Environmental Factors: Consider noise levels, temperature, air quality, and lighting to improve physical well-being.

By addressing physical ergonomics, organizations can create a safer, more comfortable, and more productive work environment, reducing the risk of work-related injuries and improving employee satisfaction and overall well-being. Win-win!

Cognitive Ergonomics

Cognitive ergonomics involves understanding how people perceive, process, and respond to information in order to create work settings that align with these cognitive processes. For example, providing clear instructions, minimizing distractions, and offering training and support can improve cognitive ergonomics. The mental workload associated with tasks is examined to ensure the tasks are neither too demanding nor too simple. Balancing the workload helps prevent cognitive overload, fatigue, and errors and enables efficient task completion.

As workplaces have become increasingly high-tech, the relevance of interactions between individuals and technology systems is growing. Cognitive ergonomics involves designing interfaces and controls that are intuitive, user-friendly, and minimize cognitive load. It also involves designing learning environments and training programs that align with cognitive principles to support information acquisition, retention, and retrieval. This may include strategies like chunking information, providing cues and reminders, and promoting spaced repetition.

Organizational Ergonomics 

Organizational ergonomics, also known as macroergonomics, focuses on designing work systems, policies, and procedures to optimize the alignment between individuals, teams, and the larger organizational context. This can be achieved by creating a supportive work culture, promoting work-life balance, providing opportunities for growth and development, fostering effective communication and collaboration, and ensuring fair and equitable practices.

Organizational ergonomics involves:

• Designing jobs and work systems that align with employees’ skills, abilities, and preferences. 
• Managing workload levels, allocating resources effectively, and promoting work-life balance to prevent burnout and enhance job satisfaction.
• Promoting open and transparent communication channels, facilitating teamwork and collaboration, and establishing supportive relationships within the organization.
• Providing supportive leadership, setting clear goals and expectations, offering developmental opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions.
• Creating a positive, inclusive culture that promotes trust, fairness, and respect that can contribute to a supportive and engaging work environment.
• Designing performance evaluation processes that provide timely and constructive feedback, aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, and fostering a learning and improvement culture.

Whew, no biggie! 

Need Office Space to Practice the Ergonomics Trifecta? We’ve Got You Covered…

Organizations can create a comprehensive approach to improving their employees’ performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being by addressing cognitive and organizational ergonomics alongside physical ergonomics. 

Need office space for your company? Try out one of our customizable private office spaces in downtown Boulder and receive access to:

• A friendly and professional on-site receptionist
• A premier address on Pearl Street Mall
• Free Wi-Fi 
• 15 hours of meeting room use per month included in the membership
• Free local coffee & tea
• Access to all building amenities

We’d love to know what your office needs are!