Holistic Ergonomics and Human Factors Conference
This year Social Psychology of Risk (SPoR) conference theme is centred on Holistic Ergonomics and Human Factors. But instead of factoring the human in the system, we will learn about the ethics, methods and frameworks that humanise people and enhance their wellness at workplaces and beyond.
Ergonomics and Human Factors: Where are we headed
It is an irony of our times that at the time when the discussion about human factors and ergonomics is at its peak, there are more people than ever reporting sick at work. The number of people claiming disability benefits has doubled. People often feel anxious and stressed by work culture and use this as the basis to claim long term sickness. Relationships are at an all-time low. The former chief economist of the bank of England, Andy Haldane says that “For the first time, probably since the Industrial Revolution … health and wellbeing are in retreat”.
Learning Ergonomics through Experiential (Semiotic) Walks
In this conference, we will apply the discipline of Social Psychology of Risk to the nature of work, work design, work processes and ergonomics. Orthodox approaches to human factors and ergonomics view human behaviour as a mechanical response to environmental stimuli. It is a common view that if we can improve the physical design and the environment at work, people will perform better, safer and feel healthier. Stepping outside of the stimulus-response approach to human behaviour, we will learn how humans as embodied (whole) beings are emotionally affected by their environment and by social relationships at work.
As part of the conference, we will also go on three semiotic walks to observe and feel how space and place influences our emotions, anxiety and stress and how we can create rituals and routines in our everyday lives that would truly humanise our workplaces and meeting spaces.
Together, we will:
> Explore the history of ergonomics, design and the focus on humans as objects.
> Build an in-depth understanding of well-being
> Better understand embodiment and the application of SPoR to helping others at work
> Broaden perspectives on ergonomics, human factors and design for social inclusion
> Observe workplace stressors and how to tackle those stressors in your design strategies
> Investigate the nature of anxiety, depression and mental health issues at work
> Investigate the discourse of work-life balance; skilled helping, pastoral care and empathy in professional practice
> Observe how health and illness are socially constructed
> Case studies of trade-offs and by-products in wellness for work
> Build a holistic understanding of resilience and the importance of meaning and purpose in work
At the end of this workshop, you will be equipped with practical insights and ideas to recognise and address anxiety, depression, absenteeism, stress, and relationship issues. This immersed experience will give you tangible methods and the confidence to humanise your workplaces, and improve wellbeing, peer relationships and trust at work (and beyond).
Conference Program
Day 1 – How space and place influences our emotions, anxiety and behaviour? We will begin with a semiotic walk to Scotland’s most popular historical site – the Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh.
Day 2 – We live in a Culture of Efficiency and Technique constantly deteriorating our natural environment and degrading people’s skills and critical thinking. But there are alternative forms of life that have learned to co-exist with nature (not against it). What can we learn from walking in Nature about how the natural environment can help us improve our wellbeing and thinking. On day 2, we will go on a semiotic walk to the Pentland Hills regional park.
Day 3 – How can we apply Holistic Ergonomics to our workplaces and meeting spaces? For our final semiotic walk we will visit the Ikea Store Edinburgh.
Rosslyn Chapel: Watch the BBC Documentary
Training and Support
You will receive practical methods and tools that you can readily apply to work.
In addition, we will also record the entire workshop so you can take it back to your work and family and share with others how we can practically improve the design, processes and conversations to humanise our workspaces and meeting places.
No cultural experience is complete without food
Social Psychology of Risk Conference 2025 (Aberdeen) sharing a meal
Day 1 Scottish meal at the Piper’s Rest
Day 2 Indian meal at the Durbar Indian Kitchen
If you plan to extend your stay up to the night of 6th Feb Saturday, I will prepare a meal (with sourdough bread) to go with Scotch for all.
Yoga sessions
As someone who practices Hastha Yoga for more than 20 years, I would like to invite you to join me on all three days for asanas and deep breathing techniques.
Practical details
The workshop will be held at:
7 Victoria Terrace, above, Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
For group discount (at least 4 persons) please get in touch at support@novellus.solutions
Terms and conditions
Read our terms and conditions before you book your seat
Recommended hotels
4 – 4.5 star chain hotels 10 – 15 min walk approx.:
– Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place – Hotels In Edinburgh With Spa | Apex Waterloo Place Hotel (apexhotels.co.uk)
– The Hilton Carlton, North Bridge – Hilton Edinburgh Carlton – Edinburgh City Centre Hotels
– The Scotsman Hotel, North Bridge – Home – The Scotsman Hotel – (right opposite Waverly, lift inside the hotel takes you to the back entrance of the station). This is a very impressive, beautiful, traditional hotel in excellent location. Formerly home to The Scotsman newspaper, it’s an Edinburgh landmark building.
4 star Boutique Hotels:
– Hotel Indigo, York Place – Hotel Indigo Edinburgh | Edinburgh City Centre Hotel (ihg.com) – 10 – 15 min walk to Waverly Station.
– The Place Hotel, York Place – The Place Hotel, Edinburgh (placehotels.co.uk)
– Le Monde Hotel, George Street – Le Monde Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Edinburgh (Official Website)
3 star hotels:
– Parliament House Hotel, Calton Hill – Edinburgh Hotel Rooms City Centre | Parliament House Hotel (parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk) – historic building, boutique hotel, fabulous location tucked away on the side of Calton Hill
– Travelodge Edinburgh Central, Waterloo Place – Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place Hotel – Book Now,
– Holiday Inn Express, Picardy Place – Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre Hotel by IHG,
Speakers
-
Nippin AnandFounderNippin has a Masters degree in Economics, a PhD in Social Sciences and a fascination in Cultural Anthropology. Working as a seafarer and travelling the world from the age of seventeen gave Nippin the unique opportunity to meet people who think differently. This experience has informed much of his work to date, encouraging him to find deeper meaning, as well as learn and grow through every challenge he undertakes.
-
Robert LongExpert in social psychologyRob is the founder of Human Dymensions and has extensive experience, qualifications and expertise across a range of sectors including government, education, corporate, industry and community sectors over 30 years. Rob has worked at all levels of the education and training sector including serving on various post graduate executive, post graduate supervision, post graduate course design and implementation of programs.
