werkdriehoek

Werkdriehoek, literally “work triangle” in Dutch, is a term used in several domains to denote a simple model that involves three interconnected elements shaping how work is organized and experienced. It is not a single formal theory, and its exact composition varies by context.

In workplace design and ergonomics, the term is often used to describe the triad of worker, task, and environment. The underlying idea is that performance, safety, and well-being depend on the fit among these three factors: tasks should match the worker’s capabilities; tools and equipment should suit the task; the physical and organizational environment should support efficient work.

In other contexts, the werkdriehoek can refer to a triad of stakeholders such as employer, employee, and the work itself, emphasizing the balance of interests and responsibilities. The concept is commonly used as a heuristic for analyzing misfits, guiding redesign of tasks, workflows, or workspaces, and informing training and resource allocation.

Because there is no universal definition, practitioners should consult domain-specific literature to understand which three elements are meant in a given source. The werkdriehoek remains a flexible, context-dependent framework rather than a fixed theory.