Ali Afshari,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: With the expansion of digital technologies and the increasing use of smart tools in workplaces, challenges, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and reduced employee productivity, have emerged. This study aimed to examine the impact of ergonomic digital workplace design and smart tools on MSDs and employee productivity at Maragheh University.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical design. The statistical population included administrative employees of Maragheh University in 2024. A total of 150 people were selected as a sample from the population above according to the Morgan table and the stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Sprecher et al. questionnaire to assess MSDs and an organizational productivity questionnaire. The obtained data were then analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression in SPSS software (version 25).
Results: The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between musculoskeletal health and productivity (r = -0.47), indicating that increased musculoskeletal problems were associated with decreased efficiency (r = -0.41), task quality (r = -0.39), goal commitment (r = -0.45), and time management (r = -0.36). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that digital workplace design and the use of smart tools were significantly associated with reduced musculoskeletal problems (β = -0.52, P < 0.05) and increased employee productivity (β = 0.46, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that ergonomic workplace design combined with smart tools reduces musculoskeletal discomfort and enhances employee productivity. These findings emphasize the importance of ergonomic workplaces and smart tools in promoting both employee health and performance.
Abbas Mohammadi, Leila Aghaei, Marzieh Sadeghian, Mohammad Sadegh Loeloe,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Office staff in health networks are exposed to adverse psychosocial factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) associated with improper working posture, which may reduce productivity. This study aimed to examine the relationships between psychosocial factors and WMSDs with productivity among administrative staff of a health network and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational–ergonomic intervention on these outcomes.
Method: This quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted in 2024–2025 among 150 administrative employees of the Behbahan health network. Data were collected using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III), the Hersey and Goldsmith ACHIEVE productivity questionnaire, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Working posture was assessed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) checklist in a random subsample (n=15). A three-month educational–ergonomic intervention (May–July 2025) was delivered in small groups and covered effective communication/teamwork, stress management, motivation/organizational commitment, social support, and ergonomic principles/healthy work behaviors. Data were analyzed in SPSS-26; statistical significance was set at 0.05.
Results: Overall psychosocial score was positively correlated with total productivity (r=0.633, p<0.01). WMSDs showed significant negative correlations with selected productivity dimensions (p<0.05). After the intervention, psychosocial dimensions and overall productivity improved significantly (p<0.001), with a marked increase in total productivity (2.82 to 4.03; Cohen’s d=1.51). WMSDs decreased significantly (5.36 to 4.24; p<0.001). No significant change was observed in ROSA score (p=0.640).
Conclusion: The educational–ergonomic intervention improved workplace psychosocial conditions and reduced musculoskeletal complaints, resulting in higher productivity among administrative staff in the health network. Controlled studies with longer follow-up are recommended.
