Three Decades of Ergo-Process Models

This year, we celebrate Worksite International’s 32nd anniversary! This blog reflects our achievements over three decades of work in the ergonomics marketplace.

Introduction

Worksite International, Inc. has been at the forefront of the field of ergonomics, spearheading significant transformations over the past three decades. As technology and workplace environments have evolved, so too have our models and approaches used to enhance human well-being and performance. This document chronicles the legacy of ergonomic process models developed by Worksite International, Inc., highlighting key advancements and their impact on modern workspaces.

Laying the Foundation

The 1990s marked the beginning of a more structured approach to ergonomics at Worksite International, Inc. During this decade, the focus was primarily on addressing immediate physical discomfort experienced by workers. Models from this era emphasized a participatory approach, engaging employees in ergonomics training, self-correction of finding the correct posture, using adjustable furniture, and the need for regular breaks to combat repetitive strain injuries.

During this period, the Worksite International Ergonomics Process model (WIEP) was created (Figure 1) and first appeared in our book, Your Guide to Developing an Ergonomics Process, by Taylor and Francis, published in 1999. Over the years, we have iterated and refined our ergo process model as it is today in Figure 2. Today, the WIEP model is featured prominently in our ergonomics process design consultation and our professional course, Certified Office Ergonomics Specialist (COESp).

The model has been represented in several of our international research papers over several decades.

1997- Successful Outcomes of Developing An Ergonomics Process Using An Ergonomics Task Force, IEA Conference, Tampere, Finland.

2000- Preventive ergonomic strategies demonstrate substantial cost benefit for small to mid-size employers, IEA Conference, San Diego, CA.

2014- A Prospective Study of a Macroergonomics Process over Five Years Demonstrates Significant Prevention of Workers’ Compensation Claims Resulting in Projected Savings, Nordic Ergonomics Society-ODAM, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Figure 1. Early versions of the WI ergo process flow model (1993-2000).

The Emergence of Ergonomic Chairs and the Chair Assessment System Model

One of the most significant advancements of the 90's into early 2000's was the development and popularization of ergonomic chairs. Ergonomic chairs were designed to support the natural curve of the spine, reducing the risk of back pain and promoting better posture. Design standards through the Business and Institution Furniture Association (BIFMA) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Association (HFES) provided the foundation for improved chair features and functions to align with computer user needs.

Companies began to recognize the importance of investing in high-quality seating solutions to improve employee comfort and productivity. The ergonomic chair continued to dominate the ergonomics product marketplace with improved designs, better fabrics, and many more options.

The big emerging trend, however, was significant advancements in adjustable workstations, including the introduction of sit-stand desks and desk converters. These desks allowed employees to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting and promoting movement and circulation.

During this time, I was the Ergonomics Manager at a large county government agency from 2006 to 2013.  Over the seven years, I inventoried and assessed thousands of ergonomic chairs and performed chair fittings for over 600 employees. Doing this revealed it had been over a decade since chairs had been purchased by most of the departments. The chairs were in poor condition and needed replacing. I had to convince management their old chairs were contributing to MSDs due to their lack of comfort, support, chair fit, and age.

Born from this experience, I developed the Chair Assessment System (CAS) and the Chair Assessment Tool (CAT), which includes “the chair use life cycle” model in which a chair’s status is measured as “Keep, Repair, Replace, and Fit.” It is designed for anyone interested in chair asset management to assess chair quality, competency, and sustainability.  And now, we are on the verge of releasing our cloud-based CAS software launching in the 2nd quarter of 2025, an integral part of our Chair Assessment Specialist (CASp) course.

2017- A Chair Assessment Model for Organizational Benefit, Safety and Asset Management, ACE-ODAM, Banff, Canada

2018- A Chair Assessment Model for Organizational Benefit, Safety and Asset Management, IEA, Florence, Italy

The 2020s: Holistic Approach and the Future of Ergonomics

Over the last two decades, the ergonomic models at Worksite International, Inc, began to adopt a more holistic approach, considering not only physical factors but also cognitive, organizational, and emotional well-being.

As we move into the 2020s, this decade has focused on creating environments supporting the overall health and happiness of employees. The legacy of ergonomic models at Worksite International, Inc continues to evolve. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, presenting new challenges and opportunities for ergonomic design.

The Ergonomics Process Influence Model

With the work from home revolution, employers and employees have had to adapt to diverse home office setups. Companies have provided guidelines and resources to help employees create ergonomic workspaces at home, emphasizing the importance of proper chair and desk height, monitor placement, and regular movement.

Figure 4. Worksite International, Inc. Ergonomics Process Influence Model, circa 2021.
Citation: ©2021 Worksite International® Ergonomics Process Influence Model

The Worksite International Ergonomics Process Influence model was developed during this time to focus on the impact and influence the science of ergonomics has on key organizational processes. Ergonomics is a change agent! It changes how the individual works and how the organization operates!

Including the science of ergonomics in organizational wellness programs, safety programs, workers' compensation, and disability management is essential to help preserve employee well-being and performance. It plays a critical role in facilities, information technologies, and the purchase process. If ergonomics isn’t integrated into these departments’ decisions, then employees are exposed to unnecessary risk and a higher likelihood of developing MSDs.

2023- Ergonomics Process Readiness Using a Pilot Gap Analysis Survey Tool for Organization and Leadership Success, ODAM, Bordeaux, France

Our Zone of Genius Model

After three decades, I’ve finally come to see what our “Zone of Genius” is for Worksite International, Inc.  Through participation in masterminds, being mentored by several marketing geniuses over the last several years, and applying their philosophies within the realm of ergonomics, I’ve developed our Genius model, influenced by Simon Bowen and The Models Methods®. This model represents all we have become from 1993-2025, our journey and our legacy.

Figure 5. The Worksite International, Inc. Genius Model®

Conclusion

The legacy of our ergonomic process models and systems developed by Worksite International, Inc. over the past three decades is a testament to the continuous pursuit of better health and productivity in the workplace. From the initial focus on participatory ergonomics and physical comfort in the 90s to advancements in chair design in the early 2000s, including the integration of sit-to-stand workstations and holistic approaches in ergonomics driven by the pandemic, Worksite International has developed systems, training programs, and software reflecting all these changes.

As we look to the future, I hope the models represented here, along with principles and practices established in these past decades, will continue to guide us in creating healthier, happier, and more productive work environments. This is the Worksite International way and our legacy.

Our Hearts Are Full

None of this would be possible without my mentors, influencers, our clients, and academy students.

There is more to the story. Visit our research library to read more about our research outcomes.

Celebrate with us by leaving a comment below.