The Web-Based Learning Program of Ergonomics as a Tool for Promoting Sustainable Well-Being at Work in a Large Company

Abstract

Promoting sustainable well-being at work is challenging and requires changes and learning in an organization. The purpose of this study was to describe the web-based learning program of ergonomics, the Ergonetti, as a tool for promoting sustainable well-being at work in a large company from the viewpoint of the students. Data were gathered through individual theme interviews of 15 students (participants) who performed the ergonomics learning tasks within the company. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Achieving sustainable well-being at work as taught in the web-based learning program of ergonomics required the investment of time and managerial support. Sustainable well-being at work, defined in terms of the understanding of ergonomics described by participants at the company, was shown to increase profitability of the company. However, for this to occur, managers need to understand the demands of development work and be committed to it. Open discussions of development activities within the company facilitated the sharing of tacit knowledge and information, which was beneficial for development. The generalization of the present results should be done carefully due to small number of the participants.