Modelling Sustainable Organizational Development and the Scope of Ergonomic Interventions

Purpose: The study addresses the limited integration of ergonomics into Sustainable Development of Organizations (SDO), particularly in small enterprises. Despite SDO’s focus on economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the social aspect and application of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) are underexplored. The aim is to optimize organizational variables and ergonomic interventions (EI) to achieve SDO goals, addressing gaps in adaptability, productivity, and sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM), a production system model was developed to analyze variables such as production processes, product quality, environmental impact, workplace ergonomics, and social factors. Data were collected through literature reviews and expert input, with simulations of 12 scenarios evaluating productivity, well-being, and automation. Findings: The study highlights the importance of integrating ergonomics into SDO strategies to enhance workplace efficiency and well-being. Key variables such as automation, ergonomic interventions, and resource efficiency significantly influenced outcomes. Areas for improvement include material handling, ergonomic risks, and task complexity, while automation emerged as critical for optimization. Practical Implications: The proposed model offers SMEs a tool to simulate ergonomic and sustainability-focused interventions, prioritize investments, and standardize practices. It aids in addressing ergonomic and sustainability challenges across industries while aligning operational and strategic goals. Originality/Value: This research connects ergonomics with SDO through FCM, providing a predictive tool for intervention outcomes. By emphasizing employee well-being as a sustainability pillar, it addresses gaps in integrating social and environmental dimensions, offering tailored solutions for SMEs to enhance productivity and sustainability.