Posted on 16th Nov 2011 @ 12:18 PM

“Ergonomic” is a hot term in today’s market. We are bombarded with ergonomic messages and suggestions while at work. And as the omnipresence of ergonomics grows, the potential for sensory overload increases along with it. Inevitably, a comedic backlash is created -- and this manifests itself through drawings, photos, and other images.

Today, we present to you the 8 funniest ergonomic images of all time -- or at least until someone generates funnier ones. Enjoy!

1. We've all seen these instructional and motivational "posters" that seem to be a requirement in every office's interior design. This poster takes the concept of workplace stretching exercises and adds a heavy dose of humor.

2. Randy Glasbergen has been a freelance cartoonist for 35 years. His daily syndicated "Thin Lines" single-panel series highlights the lighter side of a wide array of topics -- including ergonomics.

3. One sign of ergonomics' influence in society is the fact that its principles are being mocked in full-color comic strips. This trio represents the idea that any concept, no matter how beneficial, can be taken a little too far.

4. Ergonomics is all about adapting the workplace to suit the physical needs of the worker. But if science were somehow able to adapt the worker to suit the needs of the workplace, this might be the ultimate result.

5. Some managers solicit employee suggestions for improving the ergonomics of company workstations. The moral of this photo? Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer.

6. Here's a perfect example of what happens when capitalism and creativity are injected into ergonomic products. (It might also represent a collision course between workplace ergonomic initiatives and workplace sexual harassment policies.) 

7. One of the principles of ergonomics is the notion of making workplace tools more lightweight and user-friendly. But these alterations defeat the purpose if the tool becomes useless - especially if you are employed as a soldier.

8. When you mix anything with kittens, the result is almost always cute and funny. Obviously, ergonomics is no exception.

Image credits: iisretard.com, ergonomics-info.com, ergoblog.com, ipwatchdog.com, glasbergen.com, funnycoffee.com, saveyourself.ca, spewingforth.blogspot.com, rimafauzi.com, funnychill.com, cheezburger.com