Ergonomics is a business, not an expense

In a corporate world that is increasingly concerned with mental health, productivity and talent retention, ignoring the ergonomics of the built environment is a strategic mistake. The way physical spaces are organized, lit, furnished and used has a direct impact on the motivation, performance and health of teams. And more than that: it has an impact on the company's financial results.

It's not just about comfort. It's about creating environments that drive sustainable performance. Ergonomics, when considered from the design stage of spaces, becomes a powerful ally of productivity, reducing absences due to occupational diseases, improving the organizational climate and optimizing the use of physical space.

Ergonomics of the built environment: what the data shows us

A study conducted by Vilma Villarouco and Luiz Andreto (2005) evaluated the impact of spatial configuration in consulting firms and demonstrated that variables such as lighting, temperature, furniture arrangement and privacy directly affect productivity and well-being. The conclusion? Well-planned environments are strategic allies of performance management.

Another important study comes from the research by Ilaine dos Santos and Laura Martins (2010), which associated job satisfaction with the ergonomics of the space. Environments that met ergonomic criteria showed significantly higher engagement rates and lower turnover.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), ergonomic problems are among the main causes of absence from work in the world. In Brazil, it is estimated that work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs) impact billions of reais in direct and indirect costs for companies annually.

From cost to investment: what can companies do now?

Below are some practical actions that companies can implement with an ergonomics program:

✅ Map the built environment

Conduct an ergonomic assessment of the environments, identifying points of physical and cognitive discomfort (noise, poor lighting, temperature, inadequate furniture, confusing flow).

✅ Reorganize based on activities

The ergonomics of the environment must respect the tasks performed, and not just generic standards. A layout focused on the needs of users increases efficiency.

✅ Measure the impact

Implement indicators such as number of absences, turnover, employee satisfaction and productivity per team, before and after improvements.

✅ Train conscious leaders

Train managers and leaders on the strategic role of the environment. A good workspace is a management tool, not just an infrastructure tool.