Worksystems

Worksystems enable durable and dynamic use of technology

Techno optimism

Some – or many ?- believe that technology will solve all future challenges. But instead a one-sided focus on technological innovation generates not only technostress; stress as a result of the bad use, functionality, maintenance and vulnerability of technical tools. Also research shows that the performance of social innovation is much better. Human capital and talent is the important asset.

About worksystems

The work system concept helps people and businesses rebalance people and technology both in knowledge work and also in flexible working situations. Work system design is an existing theory and practice; popular in the eighties of the last century. It evolved since then and is updated.

Work systems involve combinations of workers and equipment, within a given space and environment, and the interactions between these components within a work organization. Work systems vary in complexity and characteristics. Examples vary from a single mobile worker with a tablet computer to an airport including personnel, travellers, facilities and information systems.

Work systems indicate a large variety of system tasks and working situations, including permanent and flexible work places. The design of work systems includes also allocation of tasks to people and technology. This can be hard- en software, real estate, workplaces, flexible facilities and services. Reference: ISO 6385:2016 Ergonomic principles in the design of work systems on iso.org or nen.nl.

Facilitating thinking

In the knowledge economy performance can be improved by renewing practice. Knowledge productivity will grow by healing central knowledge tasks. The habit of splitting tasks does not work no more. Knowledge tasks can be allocated to individuals, teams, the organization and even to collaboration with clients. Connexion in openness is a new key for productive thinking.

Application of a new tool in a Workshop Task Talk supports people in creating overview in their knowledge tasks. People are invited to find and create new words for the essence of their tasks and to explore and develop them that with others involved. Also we explore system levels such as the individual, team, organization or client level. This workshop results in an insight in challenges and an overview of chances for improvement. It also contributes to a diagnosis of a working situation.

Durable dynamics

You deepen your knowledge, practice and creativity in the improvement of knowledge work. You learn and apply ergonomic principles in the design of work systems for a future of productive 21st century work, healthy dynamics and durable work solutions. You rethink your work in a Task Talk session. Or you consider the future of your work in a Vision Workshop.