Final answer:
The three broad categories of characteristics of work design consist of ergonomic design, the engineering design process, and team dynamics and organizational structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three broad categories of characteristics of work design are crucial in shaping the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of workplace environments. Firstly, ergonomic design is pivotal for work safety and encompasses the development of standards and regulations, such as those proposed by ANSI or the NRC after the Three Mile Island accident, which ensure that workplaces are conducive to physical comfort and reduce the risk of injury. Secondly, the engineering design process involves specifying the structural aspects of a product or environment, which determines the functionality and durability of designed items. Lastly, in consideration of team dynamics and organizational structure, the focus is on how teams of professionals can be structured in the workplace to enhance productivity, creativity, and responsiveness to changes in various factors such as technology and globalization.