People + Process = Performance

ergonomics

Optimizing and Designing the Workplace for Aging (Chronologically Gifted) Workers (Part 2)

Ergonomic Workplace Design Recommendations for Aging Workers

The purpose of ergonomics is to optimize human well-being and overall work system performance.  In dealing with older workers the goal of ergonomics is to preserve/enhance the workers’ performance, productivity and health.  The most effective way of doing this is through engineering controls, i.e. designing the job, equipment, tools and environment to eliminate or reduce risk factors that cause poor performance, injuries and illnesses.

 

Optimizing and Designing the Workplace for Aging (Chronologically Gifted) Workers (Part 1)

Did you know?:

  • People age 45+ now comprise the majority of the US population1
  • Fewer older workers expect to retire at age 62 or 652
  • It is expected by the year 2020, one quarter of the labor force will be 55-and-older3
  • New estimated retirement age used by insurance company actuaries is now 74 years old4
  • Older workers more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome5

 

Sit-to-Stand: Effective Dynamic Workstations Or Expensive Static Desks? Part 2

Part 2:  The Challenges of Sit-to-Stand Workstations (SSW)

Simply changing a workstation from predominately sitting to the ability to alternate between sitting and standing may not eliminate the root cause of staying in a static position for extended periods of time.  This is especially true if workers shift from prolonged sitting to prolonged standing.  This raises the potential of shifting the same chronic, static experience from one posture (sitting) to another (standing).

 

Does Discomfort Really Decrease?

Sit-to-Stand: Effective Dynamic Workstations Or Expensive Static Desks? Part 1

Dynamic or active workstations are the hot trend in the office environment these days.  Is this trend a passing fad or an effective solution for sedentary office work?  In Part 1, I’ll do a quick review of what started this trend, define the concept of sit-stand workstations and some of their benefits and challenges.  In Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at challenges to use of these workstations.  In Part 3, we’ll explore the keys to successful implementation and sustained use of sit-stand workstations.

 

Digital Distraction (Part 2)

In part one I discussed the findings of a new study that looked at the effects on performance simply from notifications from your phone—be it a chime or vibrating buzz.  The results were similar to that seen in texting and driving—distraction.  Although the study participants didn’t physically engage with their phone when they received the notifications, their mind engaged enough to lower their performance.  With this in mind, do employers need to consider even greater prohibitions on cell phones at work, especially for positions that require a high level of concentration?