Ergo What?

Reclining productivity

In the old days, if a boss saw a worker with his feet propped on his desk, he would probably furrow his brow and bark, "Don't get too comfortable, Bumstead!" Times change. Today's executive might buy the employee a more relaxing chair. The manager would be applying one of the latest buzzwords in American business: ergonomics. Says Michael J. Smith, chief of motivation and stress research for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: "There isn't one major computer maker or office-furniture maker that doesn't have ergonomics experts designing his equipment for him."

The term comes from the Greek words for work (ergon) and law (nomos). It means designing tools and products for the ways in which people move and think, rather than forcing people to adapt to them. The intent is to reduce eyestrain, backaches and muscle cramps on the job.

IBM is a major mover behind ergonomics. The firm has developed a line of furniture with pneumatic mechanisms that adjust backs and seats, a five-pronged chair base that prevents tipping, and molded backs that conform to the body.

Comfortable furniture seems to pay off. A study by Smith's group showed that operators at computer terminals are about 25% more productive when they use ergonomic furniture instead of the conventional variety. At last there is a place in business for the truly laid back.

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