A method for changing the attitudes and behaviour of management and employees to stimulate the implementation of ergonomic improvements

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a method that could be used for implementing ergonomic improvements in organizations. The method is an application of an existing model used in health-education approaches, which describes the process of changing behaviour through information. This changing process consists of six successive stages that people pass through when they receive information. The method can be used to make systematic analyses of the attitudes and behaviour of employees and managers, in order to detect factors underlying that behaviour (e.g. reasons of not buying or not using ergonomic improvements). Based on these analyses, specific information can be selected which may change their attitudes or behaviour. The use of this method is demonstrated by a case study. In this study the aim was to stimulate managers to implement standing aids at upholstering workplaces in the Dutch furniture industry.

Keywords:

• Behavioural change process
• Analysis
• Information
• Furniture industry
• Standing aid