[Work design measures and solutions for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic analysis of work in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors in Germany]. / Maßnahmen und Lösungen zur Arbeitsgestaltung für den Umgang mit der COVID-19 Pandemie: Eine systematische Analyse der Arbeit im Primär­, Sekundär- und Tertiärsektor in Deutschland.

The demand to adapt the work processes to hygiene- and contact reduction requirements in order to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany has led to short-term and sometimes radical changes in companies and organizations. Based on 52 expert interviews with company and organization representatives, this research project analyzed which pandemic-related changes in the context of work occur on a supraregional and cross-sectoral level, how they are to be evaluated, and which new ways of working might also prove beneficial to companies after the pandemic. In line with existing studies, an increasing flexibilization of work location and working hours, an acceleration of the digitalization of work processes, and effects on leadership culture were identified. Other key experiences relate to the adaptation of internal and external communication processes and the operational handling of crisis-related challenges. Based on the results, good practices were derived in form of normative-narrative use-case based scenarios.Practical Relevance: Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the central challenge for many companies over the past year and a half. The presented results show measures that have been successfully implemented in practice to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis, as well as approaches for the future development of forms of work. The measures are contextualized by outlining necessary framework conditions and success factors, thus promoting transfer to other companies and sectors of the economy.

The use of exoskeletons in the occupational context for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal complaints.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This guideline includes 20 recommendations and four key statements that achieved consensus or strong consensus regarding the application of exoskeletons in the workplace for the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints and diseases, the general use and implementation of exoskeletons, and recommendations for risk assessment. The guideline is intended for company physicians, occupational physicians, ergonomists, occupational safety specialists, and employers, and serves as information for all other actors in practical occupational safety. Due to the lack of evidence from the scientific literature, the recommendations and key statements are the result of expert discussions that were conducted at a consensus conference in accordance with the Regulations of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany, moderated by an external consultant.

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background The prevention of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and diseases has high priority, considering the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and diseases and the associated high burden on health care systems, the economy, and the people affected. Purpose: This guideline provided recommendations for potential applications of exoskeletons in the workplace for the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of musculoskeletal complaints and diseases, general recommendations on the use and implementation of exoskeletons, and recommendations on risk assessment. Methods: A systematic literature search, a survey among exoskeleton manufacturers and companies using exoskeletons, and expert discussions formed the basis of the formulated recommendations and key statements. For reaching consensus on the recommendations and key statements, we applied the Nominal Group and Delphi Techniques under the supervision of an external, independent moderator. Results: We formulated 20 recommendations and four key statements, all of which reached consensus or strong consensus. Conclusion: No answers could be found in the current scientific literature to the central questions in this guideline about primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. We outline five main directions for future research on exoskeletons in occupational settings. First, using exoskeletons for prevention should be investigated using randomized controlled trials. Second, the effects of exoskeletons on work-related musculoskeletal stress and strain should be investigated both in the body region intended to be supported by the exoskeleton as well as in other non-supported body regions. Third, the effects of exoskeletons should be investigated in samples varying in age, gender, and health status, as well as during different occupational activities. Fourth, a specific risk assessment tool for exoskeletons in occupational settings should be developed and implemented to meet and evaluate the applicable occupational health and safety standards. Fifth, there is a need to expand upon the very limited social science research on the impacts of exoskeletons on employee professional understanding, social role understanding, or diversity.

Good ergonomics and team diversity reduce absenteeism and errors in car manufacturing.

Prior research suggests that ergonomics work design and mixed teams (in age and gender) may compensate declines in certain abilities of ageing employees. This study investigates simultaneous effects of both team level factors on absenteeism and performance (error rates) over one year in a sample of 56 car assembly teams (N = 623). Results show that age was related to prolonged absenteeism and more mistakes in work planning, but not to overall performance. In comparison, high-physical workload was strongly associated with longer absenteeism and increased error rates. Furthermore, controlling for physical workload, age diversity was related to shorter absenteeism, and the presence of females in the team was associated with shorter absenteeism and better performance. In summary, this study suggests that both ergonomics work design and mixed team composition may compensate age-related productivity risks in manufacturing by maintaining the work ability of older employees and improving job quality.