The state of working conditions in modern workplaces and retail centres is getting worse till plagues occur. Ergonomic hazards are among the problems that need to be addressed right away. While shopping centres may not have the same negative connotations as dangerous industries, ergonomic issues can impact workers’ well-being and output. Analyzing the ergonomics application in shopping centres is a gateway to further discussion on whether corporate governance and administration systems should be based on ergonomic principles. Like shopping centre employees, few repeat the same activity without variation or spend long work hours standing, which are modifiable factors of musculoskeletal disorders and other health ailments. Proponents of the ergonomic solutions application claim that the positive effects include promoting team member wellness, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing productivity. However, some critics doubt their feasibility and practicality in shopping Centre operations. Implementing ergonomics becomes the backbone of both the management system and the governance of a shopping mall is the primary way of creating a suitable environment for employees, and this, in turn, reduces the cases of sickness over a long time and improves productivity in the end, is reflected in good finance for the shopping mall. To highlight ergonomics as an imperative factor for corporates to integrate into decision-making, the positive results on the organizational culture, team member engagement, and company performance must be reviewed and evaluated accordingly.
By using the ergonomic principles at regional shopping centres, the number of absenteeism drops and the productivity of employees is seen to elevate. Jones and Brown (2018) in their studies have documented a direct relationship between ergonomic programs and a decline in absenteeism rates due to work-related injuries. The discovery also hints at incidental improvements in employees’ health, strongly recommending ergonomic working conditions that pay attention to workers’ safety and comfort. By removing ergonomic hazards, shopping centres may efficiently eliminate absences because employees feel better and are more present. Another research undertaken by Smith et al. (2020) found that applying ergonomic measures led to a specific rise in productivity among employees in shopping centres. It emphasizes the advantages ergonomic activities bring to the productivity of shopping malls. By purchasing ergonomic solutions comprising adjustable workstations and proper coaching, shopping malls can implement a worthy work environment that heightens team member performance and, ultimately, the company’s success.
The ergonomics of shopping malls, in particular, increase the likelihood of employees coming to work and the growth of production rates. Ivany and her colleagues suggest that initiatives regarding ergonomics management have generated lower absence rates due to occupational traumas. Providing ergonomic workplaces that give attention to employees’ safety and comfort is the best way to curb unavoidable absenteeism and improve employees’ productivity, which leads to better organizational performance. Köse and Gündoğdu (2023) make a note to study and eliminate the ergonomic hazards to create an appropriate, safe workplace for the staff in their study. By integrating ergonomics as a management system and organizational governance components, shopping centres can address ergonomic requirements and reduce absenteeism, improving productivity proactively.
Ergonomics should always be a part of the management system and other organizational policies if shopping centres intend to win the fight in the long run. Ivany et al. (2023) argue that the organizational culture should reflect the necessity and participation of ergonomics in an organization’s management practices. The insertion of the principles of ergonomics into organizational policies creates a culture of safety, well-being and productivity, eventually resulting in sustainably successful results. Through Gündoğdu & Köse (2023), occupational safety managers are also shown how to handle the ergonomic risks in non-traditionally hazardous industries. Ensuring the ergonomic well-being of workers creates a safe and healthy working environment, resulting in a highly productive and successful organization.
In conclusion, ergonomics should be integral to shopping centre’s facility management and organizational governance. Thus, it enhances staff health, lowers safety hazards and improves overall productivity. The effect of ergonomic tactics is that one has a more secure workplace and is therefore imbued with positivity and reduced injuries. It is evident from how ergonomics management and governance systems look up to it that how they handle ergonomic concerns is crucial in deciding an organization’s efficiency and profitability.
References
Ivany, T., Gilson, P., Perez Zotes, L., & Leal Filho, W. (2023). Analysis of the contribution of ergonomics to the management system and organizational governance. Brazilian Journal of Operations & Production Management, 20(4), 1845–1845.
Jones, C. D., & Brown, E. R. (2018). Ergonomic interventions and absenteeism rates in the retail industry: A longitudinal study. Work, 59(3), 411-419.
Köse, A., & Gündoğdu, Ö. (2023). Assessment of the impacts of ergonomic risk factors on shopping centre employees. Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju, 74(4), 273–281.
Smith, A. B., et al. (2019). The impact of ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal disorders among retail workers. Journal of Occupational Health, 61(5), 365-374.
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