A newly published study by
researchers Rien Herdiyani and Hanifah Handayani from Institut Teknologi
Petroleum Balongan demonstrates that combining ergonomic workplace design with
robust occupational health practices significantly increases the work productivity
of manufacturing employees. Published in the International Journal of
Natural and Health Sciences (2026), the research evaluated production
workers at a manufacturing facility in Karawang Regency, Indonesia. The
findings provide clear empirical evidence that physical adjustments to
workstations and comprehensive employee health support operate as vital
operational resources. Together, these measures reduce workplace fatigue,
improve task efficiency, and directly drive the achievement of corporate
production targets.
Relevance to Modern Industrial
Operations
Industrial manufacturing
environments frequently subject workers to repetitive physical motions,
prolonged static postures, heavy material handling, and tight production
deadlines. Global data highlights the severity of these challenges:
- The International Labour Organization reports
nearly three million annual work-related fatalities and roughly 395
million non-fatal occupational injuries globally.
- The World Health Organization estimates that
musculoskeletal disorders affect 1.71 billion people worldwide, serving as
a primary driver of workplace disability.
- In Indonesia, Statistics Indonesia recorded over
30,000 medium and large manufacturing firms in 2024, while the Employment
Social Security Agency documented a steady rise in workplace accident
claims, climbing to over 360,000 cases in 2023.
Addressing these hazards is no
longer just a matter of regulatory compliance; it is a fundamental driver of
operational stability and economic output.
Simplified Research
Methodology
The researchers conducted a
quantitative, cross-sectional survey to measure how ergonomic conditions and
occupational health initiatives influence employee output.
- Sample: The study evaluated 80 active
production workers selected through purposive sampling. Participants
required a minimum of six months of tenure to ensure sufficient
familiarity with workstation setups and health policies.
- Data Collection: Researchers gathered
primary data using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire,
supplemented by non-participant workplace observations and administrative
documentation.
- Analytical Approach: The team applied
multiple linear regression analysis, partial $t$-tests, and simultaneous $F$-tests
to measure both isolated and combined impacts on productivity.
Key Findings
The empirical analysis confirmed
that both ergonomics and occupational health have a strong, positive, and
statistically significant impact on employee productivity.
- Combined Impact: Together, ergonomics and
occupational health accounted for 61.4% of the total variance in employee
work productivity ($R^2 = 0.624$, Adjusted $R^2 = 0.614$, $F = 63.892$, $p
< 0.001$).
- Occupational Health Effect: Health-focused
measures exerted the strongest relative influence ($\beta = 0.456$, $t =
4.692$, $p < 0.001$). Every one-unit improvement in occupational health
policies yielded a 0.427-unit increase in worker productivity.
- Ergonomics Effect: Ergonomic adjustments
independently boosted output ($\beta = 0.412$, $t = 4.247$, $p < 0.001$),
where a one-unit enhancement in physical work setup generated a 0.361-unit
increase in productivity.
- Descriptive Benchmarks: Productivity
recorded the highest overall baseline mean score (4.02 out of 5.00),
followed by occupational health (3.91) and ergonomics (3.84).
Real-World Impact and Industry
Implications
The study proves that ergonomic
interventions and health services reinforce one another. While ergonomic
adjustments reduce the physical demands placed on workers, health programs
maintain the physical and mental capacity of the workforce to meet those demands.
Manufacturing managers can directly enhance operational throughput by:
- Redesigning workstations to fit worker body
dimensions and reduce awkward postures.
- Regulating physical workloads and structuring
adequate rest periods to reduce chronic fatigue.
- Maintaining high standards of workplace
cleanliness, sanitation, and health monitoring.
- Supplying accessible medical facilities and active
organizational support for overall well-being.
Academic Insight
As noted by Rien Herdiyani and
Hanifah Handayani of Institut Teknologi Petroleum Balongan:
"Productivity improvement
should not rely solely on production targets, but also on the suitability of
the work system and the maintenance of employees' physical and psychological
capacity".
Author Profile
- Rien Herdiyani, M.T. – Lecturer and
researcher at Institut Teknologi Petroleum Balongan, specializing in
industrial engineering, ergonomics, and occupational safety and health
management.
- Hanifah Handayani, M.T. – Academic
researcher at Institut Teknologi Petroleum Balongan, focusing on
occupational health, human factors engineering, and production performance
optimization.
Source Section
- Article Title: The Effect of Ergonomics and
Occupational Health on the Work Productivity of Production Employees in a
Manufacturing Company
- Journal Name: International Journal of
Natural and Health Sciences (IJNHS)
- Publication Year: 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijnhs.v4i3.271
- Official URL: https://aprmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijnhs/index
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