Service · Workplace assessment
Workplace assesment
An integrated workplace assessment for employees with physical complaints or during re-integration. Conducted by an ergonomist with paramedical expertise.
- Integrated approach: posture, work habits, work organization & load capacity
- Concrete reporting with photos and person-centered advice
- On-site or online — active throughout the Netherlands
9,2/10
★★★★★ rating
6 steps
proven approach
30 yrs
experience with ergonomic working
About the assessment
Who is it for
Approach
Per work environment
Experiences
FAQ
— More than an ergonomic check
An expert assessment of working posture, methods, and work organization
Is an employee experiencing physical complaints such as back, neck, or shoulder pain? Or is someone recovering from an injury or limited in their employability due to a physical disability? In such cases, a workplace assessment can be a valuable intervention to reduce the load and improve employability.
During a workplace assessment, we look beyond just the ergonomic aspects of the workstation. We examine how someone performs their work, which postural and movement patterns play a role, and how the work organization aligns with this. We also look at the way someone experiences complaints and deals with them in daily practice.
This broad and integrated approach makes a workplace assessment more than just an ergonomic check. It provides insight, direction, and concrete opportunities for prevention, recovery, and sustainable employability.
— For whom
When is a workplace assessment needed?
A workplace assessment is useful in three situations. Whether it concerns existing complaints, re-integration, or prevention — the approach adapts to the situation and the sector.
Complaints or limitations
Limitations, complaints, or reduced employability have been identified that make certain tasks and activities more difficult to perform.
Re-integration
A workplace assessment identifies which activities are possible and which adjustments are necessary to support a sustainable return to work.
Prevention
A preventive workplace assessment helps to prevent or reduce physical strain, unfavorable working postures, and other ergonomic risks.
— Approach
Components of a workplace assessment
Intake and history
To gain a clear picture of the history, existing complaints, previous interventions, and the relationship between work and health before we begin.
Load and load capacity
We map out whether activities, work pace, work duration, and physical load align with the employee's current load capacity.
Posture and movement
We examine working postures and movement patterns during the execution of work. In doing so, we look at both the physical load and the way tasks are performed.
Workplace and equipment
Furniture, aids, equipment, and the physical environment. In the office: chair, screen, desk. In healthcare or industry: working height, lifting aids, walking routes.
Organization of work
Task distribution, work rhythm, rotation, and break policy. Overload often arises from organizational choices, not just the workplace itself.
Method of work
This is how a workplace assessment proceeds. From intake to evaluation.
Intake and inventory
In a personal conversation with the employee — and if desired with HR or a manager — we discuss the complaints and the work situation. We clearly identify the request for help and any limitations, so that the assessment has the right focus immediately.
Analysis of work habits and work environment
We observe daily work habits, the organization of work, and the setup of the workplace. We pay attention to ergonomics, load, workload, and work behavior — broader than a standard ergonomic check.
Implementing improvements
Where possible, we implement improvements immediately. For VDU work, this may involve adjusting the chair, screen, or desk. For physical work, it involves advice on work techniques, use of aids, and work organization. Not everything is always immediately executable — recommendations requiring more preparation are recorded for HR.
Instruction on posture and movement
The employee receives personal feedback on posture and movement behavior. We demonstrate how small adjustments — in sitting posture, work technique, screen distance, or break behavior — make an immediate difference. Behavioral change starts with awareness.
Reporting with recommendations
All findings are recorded in a clear report for the employee and employer. The report contains photos of the workplace, identified bottlenecks, and practical, person-centered advice. Useful for re-integration files and consultation with the company doctor.
Evaluation and follow-up
After some time, we schedule an evaluation moment. We discuss what has changed, what still requires attention, and ensure that the adjustments have a sustainable effect. If there is a need for further depth, we advise on additional guidance or training.
What are the benefits of a workplace assessment?
A workplace assessment provides the employee with insight into what they can do themselves to reduce or better manage complaints and functional limitations. Whether it concerns overload, chronic complaints, or a medical condition: the assessment clarifies which adjustments are feasible and effective.
In addition, it becomes clear which improvements are needed in the working conditions. The organization gains insight into measures that contribute to a healthy workplace, including any aids that align with the employee's load capacity.
— Per work environment
Workplace assessment for VDU work or Physical Load?
The approach differs per work environment. An assessment for a VDU worker looks very different from one for an employee in healthcare or industry. The result is the same: less load, fewer complaints, and sustainable employability.
Workplace assessment VDU work
Prolonged computer use in a fixed posture leads to neck, shoulder, and back complaints, RSI, and eye fatigue. The risk factors are subtle but cumulative: a screen that is slightly too low, a mouse that is slightly too far away, a chair that has never been adjusted to the user.
In this type of assessment, we analyze screen settings, sitting posture, furniture, break behavior, and work rhythm. The assessment can take place entirely online for home workers.
- VDU workers at the office and at home
- Hybrid teams after a reorganization or relocation
- Employees with beginning RSI, neck, or shoulder complaints
- Preventive during the introduction of new workstations
Workplace assessment Physical Load
In healthcare, industry, logistics, and construction, the load is of a different nature: lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, working in unfavorable postures. Complaints build up over years and are often only reported when they are already chronic.
In this type of assessment, we analyze work techniques, use of aids, work organization, and physical load patterns. The assessment always takes place on-site and is specifically tailored to the tasks and circumstances of that work environment.
- Healthcare workers — lifting, transfers, prolonged standing
- Industry and production — repetitive movements, machines
- Logistics and distribution — lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, driving
- Construction and field service — kneeling, bending, changing environments
— Experiences
What clients say
★★★★★ 10/10
"Good experiences with Ergomotion. Short lines of communication, quickly arranged, clear advice/tips, and clear reporting." "
Daphne Bruinse
Occupational Health, Absenteeism and Re-integration Advisor I Kolom
— Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about workplace assessment
What is the difference between a workplace assessment for VDU work and Physical Load?
In a workplace assessment for VDU work, the workstation is central: chair, screen, desk, work rhythm, and sitting posture. This assessment can also take place online. A workplace assessment for Physical Load focuses on work techniques, lifting behavior, use of aids, and work organization for physically demanding work in sectors such as healthcare, industry, logistics, and construction. This assessment always takes place on-site. The approach differs, but the result is the same.
How long does a workplace assessment take?
An individual workplace assessment for complaints takes approximately 1 to 2 hours on-site. You will receive the report within five working days. For a group assessment (max. 8 employees), we schedule half a day. An online workplace assessment takes an average of 30 to 45 minutes per employee.
Can a workplace assesment also be done online?
Yes, for VDU workstations, the assessment can take place entirely online via video call. This requires good preparation and the ability for the employee to clearly show their posture and workplace. For more complex complaints or physical limitations, an on-site visit always follows. Workplace assessments for physical load take place exclusively on-site.
Can you also assess multiple workstations at the same time?
Yes. For teams or departments, we assess multiple workstations in one day. We combine individual advice with a general analysis and, if desired, training in healthy VDU work for the entire department. Please ask about the combination discount.
Is a workplace assesment mandatory in case of absenteeism?
It is not legally required, but strongly recommended for recurring or long-term complaints. The Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) does oblige employers to provide a safe and ergonomically sound workplace. A workplace assessment demonstrably contributes to successful re-integration and is useful in consultation with the company doctor or occupational health service.
What is the difference between a workplace assessment and workplace advice?
Workplace advice is usually preventive: a general assessment with immediate tips, without extensive analysis or reporting. A workplace assessment goes deeper: intake, analysis of work habits, implementing improvements, personal instruction, and a formal report. It is the appropriate intervention for complaints, limitations, and re-integration.
Who carries out the workplace assesment?
Our workplace assessments are carried out by experienced specialists or ergonomists, depending on the question. They have a background in physiotherapy, Mensendieck exercise therapy, ergonomics, and occupational health. Ergomotion is a member of the VvO (Association for Exercise Therapy).
When do you provide individual on-the-job training?
If a workplace assessment has insufficient effect and persistent postural or movement problems appear to be the cause of complaints, individual training at the workplace is a logical next step. The employee then learns optimal work techniques at their own workstation. The manager is involved in agreements regarding the prevention of relapse.
Who is involved in a workplace assessment?
Both the employee and the employer are important. We conduct the conversation with the employee — they are central. If desired, HR or the manager is also present during the intake or the feedback session. The report goes to both the employee and the employer, unless otherwise agreed.
In which regions do you perform workplace assessments?
We are active throughout the Netherlands. From our head office in Haarlem, we work in the regions of Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, Breda, Den Bosch, Nijmegen, Arnhem, Alkmaar, and Zwolle. Online workplace assessments are location-independent and can be scheduled for any home worker in the Netherlands.
How often should a workplace assessment be performed?
There is no fixed frequency, but it is wise to schedule a new assessment in the event of: a change of workstation or location, recurring complaints, re-integration after absenteeism, or the introduction of new equipment and work processes.