Shaping the Workplace of the Future: Designer to unite with FE and workplace influencers

A LEADING ergonomics company is looking to develop an A Level course and build a community of ‘workplace influencers’ to improve conditions for employees across Wales.

Canary Designs is aiming to unite education chiefs, company owners, architects, product designers, industrial designers, engineers, HR, software developers, project managers and other professionals who have an impact on office and workplace environments.

Director John Lovegrove says the Hwb Ergonomeg (Ergonomics Hub) will feature presentations, network events, workshops and sharing best practice at his firm’s St Asaph headquarters, where there will be a free launch event on October 25.

He is also exploring the option of designing a new A level or work-based qualification in ergonomics to prevent a “brain drain” over the border. 

The 40 year-old – who last month gave a presentation on work-life balance to representatives from 87 nations at the International Ergonomic Association 20th Congress in Florence – is confident by joining forces they can help to support the development and needs of a workforce in a rapidly changing world. 

“Our plan is to bring people together on a regular basis to discuss key issues that impact on the strategy and day-to-day operations of workers and companies of all sizes in different sectors,” said John.

“By getting everyone in the same room we can share ideas via a series of talks, presentations and videos, while networking and collaborating to help businesses become more effective in terms of people, performance and productivity.”

Canary Designs has gone from strength to strength in 2018, relocating from its Denbigh offices to larger premises on Bowen Court.

John is also creating new roles for up to three graduate level candidates.

Working alongside giants of the aerospace and nuclear sectors, as well as delivering talks to some of the UK’s biggest organisations – notably the Red Bull F1 team, Bentley and Ford – and appearing as an expert witness in High Court trials, he has quickly made a name for himself as one of the leading experts in his field.

“My aim is to create an ergonomics team that can provide organisations with a complete evaluation of all of the factors that influence the health, wellbeing and performance of their workforce, while bringing in organisations from across Wales and beyond to have a real say on the future of work across the UK,” he added.

Canary Designs can help to mentor future workplace designers by supporting their progression through the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on Work and Technology on Human Terms. This is a 25-hour free online programme developed by five leading technology universities in Sweden and aimed at leaders and workers in project management, HR, engineering and human sciences. Canary is also offering mentorships for the CIEHF career pathways scheme, a six-year initiative towards a chartership in Ergonomics/Human Factors.

The launch of Hwb Ergonomeg takes place on Thursday October 25 from 6pm-8pm at Canary Designs on Bowen Court, St Asaph. Registration is free. The theme of the evening is Shaping the Workplace of the Future.

Email for more information or to register your interest in joining the Hwb Ergonomeg.