Mapping the relationships between work and sustainability and the opportunities for ergonomic action

Appl Ergon. 2014 Jul;45(4):1225-39. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.02.011. Epub 2014 Mar 27.

Abstract

A map was drawn up of the relationships between work (in its multiple interpretations) and sustainability (sustainable development and corporate sustainability) based on a bibliographic analysis of articles that discuss these themes jointly in the current academic literature. The position of the discipline of ergonomics focused on work was identified from this map and, based on its specific academic literature, it was possible to identify where this discipline could contribute so that work and workers can be included in the discourse of sustainable development and considered in corporate sustainability policies. Ergonomics can be actively influential within the organization on issues relating to work improvements; it may boost integrated increases in the organization's performance and in workers' well-being; it can provide support for changes and new (environmental) sustainability-related work requirements to be considered; and it can contribute to the definition of the concept of work in a context of sustainable development.

Keywords: Corporate sustainability; Sustainable development; Work.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Ergonomics / methods*
  • Ergonomics / psychology
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Program Evaluation
  • Work / psychology
  • Work / standards
  • Workplace* / psychology