Ergonomics design on the work stress outcomes

Abstract

Theoretical explanation and empirical research on work stress conducted by the scholars in the field shows that it is an unignorable workplace problem. Most of the researchers agree that work stress is caused by the workstation design or workplace environment. An optimal workstation design is where the workplace environment supports the needs of the workers and where a worker operates in a conducive environment to the individual’s abilities. It is important for organization to match the work place environment and the individual who performs the tasks. This is the goal of ergonomics. The discussion of ergonomics workstation design in this paper inclusive of working chairs, work area design, acoustic, lighting, working hours and humidity level. The stress outcomes include somatic complaints, fatigue, job dissatisfaction and intention to quit. This paper presented a study on 35 manufacturing operators in one multinational electronic company. Multiple regression analysis indicated that 62.9% of the variance in stress outcomes is accounted by the independent variables i.e., chair, work area, acoustics, lighting, working hours and humidity. Chair/office seating, working hours and humidity were found to have significant relationship with the outcomes of work stress. Work area design, acoustics and lighting, however were found not significant. This finding supports a better evaluation of policies’ development of workplace ergonomics by management. In the long term such action taken by management authorities to enhance workplace ergonomics would produce benefits for the institution in terms of minimizing the outcomes of work stress.