How workplace ergonomics improves health and efficiency
13 August 2026 | Comment(s) |
Adrien Jacquérioz
Ahead of a site relocation, the logistics division of OIKEN, a major energy provider in Valais, enlisted Groupe Mutuel’s workplace health management expertise. The initiative aimed to rethink the overall ergonomics of the teams, taking physical, cognitive and organisational factors into account.
"Reimagining spaces and rethinking working practices: enhancing well-being at OIKEN to boost motivation and efficiency."
Background: the key role of logistics
As a cornerstone of OIKEN's operational performance, the logistics team ensures the supply of materials, streamlines internal processes and supports business continuity across the company. The relocation to the new technical and logistics centre, together with the merger of the Sion and Sierre teams, created an opportunity to standardise working methods, organise workspaces more effectively and improve overall operational efficiency.
- The goal? To reduce physical strain and ease mental and cognitive workload, thus creating a healthier, more efficient working environment.
The mission: where health meets performance
With this objective in mind, our CorporateCare specialist conducted an on-site ergonomic assessment to gain a clear understanding of day-to-day workflows, movements and postures, unforeseen issues, and team interactions.
The assessment combined preliminary interviews with the HR manager and department manager, on-site observation over several days, individual and group interviews with employees and a workplace health and safety questionnaire. This approach enabled the specialist to compare actual working practices with the tasks outlined in job descriptions, identify potential constraints and highlight existing strengths.
"A healthy workforce is the foundation of a high-performing company."
Findings: challenges and opportunities for improvement
The analysis identified a range of physical, organisational and psychosocial constraints, including:
- Physically demanding postures
- Noise, dust and temperature fluctuations
- Above all, frequent interruptions and a lack of recognition for the role
The assessment also highlighted several positive factors:
- A positive team atmosphere
- A varied range of tasks
- A moderate physical workload
- Appropriate equipment
- Supportive managers
"Healthy employees drive business performance. Taking the time to observe how work is actually carried out and giving employees a voice helps identify solutions that benefit both the company and the people behind its success."
Lise Grangier-Théoduloz, CorporateCare specialist at Groupe Mutuel
Recommendations: technical, organisational and human measures
The measures proposed by our specialist to improve well-being at work fall into three areas:
- Technical: appropriate lifting and handling equipment, adjustable workstations, a dedicated and uncluttered parcel handling area and the introduction of a delivery notification system.
- Organisational: clearly defined delivery and goods reception areas, restricted access to the warehouse to minimise interruptions, introduction of an availability status system and redesigned computer workstations.
- Human: raising the profile of the logistics role through internal communications and project presentations, formalising and sharing best practices and safety procedures daily and introducing stretching and relaxation exercises.
"When my teams work in a healthy, well-organised environment, with the right tools for the job, they work with more enthusiasm, and the quality of their work reflects that."
Marco Marquis, Head of Purchasing, Logistics and Insurance, OIKEN
Watch the project video (in French):
Benefit from the expertise of our CorporateCare team
How healthy and productive are your employees? Are you experiencing absenteeism and unsure where to begin? Our CorporateCare team is here to support you. Based on an ergonomic assessment, we work with you to develop solutions tailored to your needs, from quick-to-implement measures to a comprehensive workplace health management strategy.
