Advancing Sustainable Healthcare Workplaces Through Human Centred Ergonomic Work Design

Mohamed Suhaimi Yusof (1) , Nurul Shuhada Abd Wahab (2)
(1) Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia,
(2) Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, Terengganu, Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract

Sustainable healthcare workplaces require working conditions that support healthcare professionals while maintaining effective organisational performance and quality service delivery. Human-centred ergonomic work design is an important approach that aligns workplace systems with human capabilities, limitations, and professional requirements. This article explores the role of human-centred ergonomics in developing sustainable healthcare workplaces by integrating physical, cognitive, technological, psychosocial, and organisational dimensions. The analysis identifies several continuing challenges, including physical ergonomic risks, technology-related cognitive demands, excessive workload, psychosocial pressures, fragmented organisational practices, and limited employee participation. These concerns demonstrate that workplace sustainability cannot be achieved through isolated interventions, as healthcare professionals operate within complex, interconnected work systems. Greater integration of ergonomic principles into organisational planning can improve the alignment between professional capabilities and workplace demands. Particular attention should be given to physical workplace design, human-centred technology, workload management, psychosocial support, and meaningful employee participation. The article emphasises that sustainable ergonomic improvement requires continuous evaluation and coordinated organisational action rather than temporary responses to individual workplace problems. Ultimately, human-centred ergonomic work design provides a strategic foundation for creating healthcare workplaces that promote workforce wellbeing, strengthen organisational adaptability, support professional effectiveness, and contribute to sustainable healthcare performance.

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Authors

Mohamed Suhaimi Yusof
suhaimi@uptm.edu.my (Primary Contact)
Nurul Shuhada Abd Wahab
Yusof, M. S., & Abd Wahab, N. S. (2020). Advancing Sustainable Healthcare Workplaces Through Human Centred Ergonomic Work Design. The Asian Journal of Professional & Business Studies, 1(2), 108–126. https://doi.org/10.61688/ajpbs.v1i2.330

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