ergonomics

/ˈʌrgəˌnɑmɪks/

If you use scientific knowledge about body health to help design workplaces that keep workers healthy, then you work in the field of ergonomics.

Ergonomics might remind you of economics, because it's a word that was invented to bring an efficiency-oriented type of thinking to the workplace. It breaks down to erg-, Greek for "work," and -nomic, Greek for "the laws of." Your special chair that prevents you from slouching and positions your hands at the perfect angle in relation to the keyboard was made by someone who works in ergonomics, which is why it was probably called an "ergonomic chair."

Definitions of ergonomics

1. noun

   the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments
   synonyms: bioengineering, biotechnology

   type of:

   applied science, engineering, engineering science, technology

   the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems