Productivity and financial impact as outcomes of ergonomic interventions in workplace settings: a scoping review

This scoping review aims to explore and synthesize the available evidence on the impact of ergonomic interventions in workplace settings, specifically focusing on their influence on productivity and financial outcomes. The purpose of the study is to map the existing literature, identify the types of interventions implemented across different organizational contexts, and analyze the extent to which ergonomic changes contribute not only to workers’ health and safety but also to organizational performance and economic returns. The review was designed according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and included studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Taylor & Francis (2005 onwards), with the last search conducted on June 25, 2025. Eligible studies were those that assessed ergonomic interventions in workplace environments and reported outcomes related to productivity (e.g., efficiency, quality, reduced absenteeism or presenteeism) and financial performance (e.g., cost–benefit, return on investment, cost reduction, economic savings). The expected outcomes of this project are: To provide a structured overview of the types of ergonomic interventions reported in the literature (physical, organizational, cognitive, participatory, or mixed approaches). To compare the evidence across different sectors (manufacturing, office, health services, childcare, and others) and highlight sector-specific trends. To identify the methodological strengths and weaknesses of existing research, particularly in relation to study design, evaluation metrics, and financial indicators. To detect research gaps, especially in underrepresented sectors such as health, education, and transport, and propose directions for future studies. By synthesizing the evidence, this scoping review is expected to demonstrate that ergonomic interventions can generate consistent but heterogeneous benefits in productivity and financial outcomes, depending on the organizational context, type of intervention, and methodological rigor. Ultimately, the findings aim to support the consideration of ergonomics not only as an occupational health strategy but also as a strategic investment for sustainable organizational performance.