Investigating the Impact of Ergonomic Workplace Design on Employee Performance in the Healthcare Sector: A Case of Menelik II Referral Hospital
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Date
2025-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Poor ergonomic workplace design in healthcare settings can lead to significant challenges for employees, including health problems and decreased performance. At Menelik II Referral Hospital, healthcare employees face various work-related challenges related to the facility's ergonomic workplace design, which negatively impacts their health and job performance. This study aims to investigate the impact of ergonomic workplace design on the performance of healthcare employees and propose an improvement approach for the hospital. The study focuses on how ergonomic workplace design factors affect the physical and mental well-being of healthcare employee and, as a result, their overall performance. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data through well-structured and pre-tested surveys, interviews, and direct observations by using purposive sampling technique. This methodology allowed for a thorough assessment of the current ergonomic conditions and their effects on employees performance. SPSS version 24 was used for statistical, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions data analysis. The findings show a significant relationship between poor ergonomic workplace design and a higher incidence of musculoskeletal issues, increased mental load, and reduced work performance among healthcare employees. The statistical analysis found a significant positive relationship between all three ergonomic domains and employee performance. Physical ergonomics showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.561, p < .001), followed by cognitive ergonomics (r = 0.442, p < .001) and organizational ergonomics (r = 0.436, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that these factors collectively explained 56.3% of the variance in performance, with physical ergonomics being the strongest predictor (β = 0.260, p < .001). Based on these results, this study proposes an improvement framework with specific recommendations and strategies for enhancing ergonomic conditions at the hospital. Implementing these strategies is expected to improve employee well-being and performance, in the end, contributing to better patient outcomes. This study provides actionable recommendations for Menelik II Referral Hospital and contributes to the existing body of knowledge on ergonomics in healthcare.
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Keywords
ergonomic, ergonomic workplace design, employee performance, healthcare employees