topic 7: environment and work Flashcards
sick building syndrome
collection of nonspecific symptoms including eye, nose and throat irritation, mental fatigue, headaches, nausea dizziness and skin irritations, which seem to be linked with occupancy of certain workplaces.fi
five types contributing factors to sick building syndrome
physical contributor (temperature, humidity, ventilation, illuminance level, noise, and air quality), biological contributions (moulds and fungi), chemical contributions (building materials, CO2 concentrations), psychosocial contributions (monotonouns work environment, occupational stress), individual contributions (gender, smoking status, parental asthma).
attention restoration theory
suggests that mental fatigue that is associated with a depleted capacity to direct attention may be overcome by spending time in environments rich in natural stimuli.
restorative environments must have 4 characteristics
softly fascinating, being away, extent, compatible.
new ways of working three elements
timing of work, location of work, facilitated by new media technology.
pros open shared workspaces
greater employee satisfaction, projecting an image of being modern and forward thinking, improve flexibility in the use of physical space, enabling closer working relationships, higher productivity, cost-savings
cons open shared workspaces
employees may tolerate ambient noise from office equipment, overhearing the conversations of others is a significant task distraction and source of irritation
open plan offices and noise experiment conclusions
memory performance declined more in high noise compared to low noise, experienced more tiredness less motivation with high noise, no effect on physiological measures of stress.
hotdesking
staff have no fixed personal workspace and use any available desk as needed.
job demands of hotdesking
reduced privacy, increased social distraction, negative or emotionally demanding interactions with others
resources of hotdesking
more collegial friendships, increased support from managers and others.
findings from field-based studies indoor plants results
self-reported physical health improvements, positive evaluations of the work environment, increased self-reported productivity, increased sick leave.
teleworking
working at various locations other than the central office, during or outside formal working hours.
different views on remote work
focus on autonomy, focus on work-family interface, focus on relational impoverishment at work.