Translators, tools and technologies : reducing risk and improving quality with workplace research

The professional translation workplace is characterized by intensive human-computer interaction and heavy use of language technology, and the efficiency and effectiveness of human and technological resources feature large in translation service quality standards such as ISO 17100:2015. In the research reported here, an ergonomic framework encompassing physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects of the workplace has been used to gain insights into optimizing translation activity as language workers interact with tools, technologies, and one another. Non-optimal workplace ergonomics can compromise the efficiency of the translation process and impact on the quality of the final product. Despite high levels of competence, professionals may not be able to perform at the expected level or may have to exert inordinate effort to do so, with potentially detrimental consequences to their health, job satisfaction, and the organization as a whole