What does it take to make a workplace just and green? Systemic human factors approach

Halting environmental degradation requires workplaces to undergo a profound shift towards ecologically sustainable work that challenges customary growth oriented thinking and holds justice and the well-being of workers as a core value. Structures and practices of workplaces provide a critical link through which this transition could be achieved. However, there is a lack of clear and systemic definition and an easily applicable model to guide workplaces to become both just and green. In this paper, we aim to define the key characteristics of a just green workplace by using human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) as the underlying theoretical approach. Humans are positioned as the core component across all system levels. Thus, we posit that the HF/E approach can serve as a fundamental building block for just green workplaces. It helps shift the focus of the currently prevailing technology-, administration- and (de)growth-oriented green transition towards one that is more human-centric, contextually aware, as well as competence- and developmentally oriented. We apply a HF/E Tool to two case examples from different sectors to demonstrate the systemic, underlying factors of just green work at the individual, work, group, and organisational levels. Based on the findings, we present criteria and recommendations for a just green workplace. In addition, the value and development needs of the HF/E approach in fostering sustainability are discussed.