Ergonomics is the science of balancing between employees and the work they do. It is concerned with designing jobs by integrating socio-technical factors of the job and characteristics of a jobholder. It provides a safer and comfortable workplace solution for increased efficiency and enhanced productivity. The principles of ergonomics are being used to improve man-machine system so that an employee can perform the job effectively. Good ergonomics in the workplace results in less absenteeism and minimum turnover due to health issues. It can keep employees healthier, happier and energetic.

The ability of organizations to utilize the knowledge and skills of employees faster and better than the environment changes will provide them with an ever-sustainable competitive edge. Historically, creation of efficiency in operations is the outcome of optimum use of human resources and people in organizations make all the difference for their success or failure. Since the core competence of any organization is nothing but the real performance of the employees, companies of coming age must be built around people. Hence, managements of enterprises must focus on employee's overall physical and mental health. Earlier, it was believed that moderate organizational efforts on wellness programs would energize employees and enhance their performances. But this belief is not held to be true now. Today, organizational effectiveness and employees' performance will be disrupted even by relatively low level of health problems. The way organizations design their health programs is an important determinant on how much performance they extract from employees.

The physical environment can influence the interface between individuals and organizations. Technology and advancements in the workplaces have their negative impact on the physical environment. Employees see their jobs increasingly becoming dehumanized and result in alienation and frustration. In order to keep them motivated, organizations should start looking after the human needs at workplaces. Efforts must be made at improving working conditions and their attendant conditions like safety, security and benefits which legitimately qualify as quality of worklife activity. For this to happen, the work environment should be made free from hazards or other factors detrimental to the health and safety of employees.

HRM Review Magazine, Organizational Effectiveness, Health Management, Ergonomics, Physical Environment, Health Programs, Health Promotion Programs, Psychological Hazards, Environmental Hazards, Medical Examinations, Human Resource Department, International Ergonomics Association, Biological Organism.