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Workplace aesthetics: impact of environments upon employee health as compared to ergonomics

Issue title: IEA 2012: 18th World congress on Ergonomics - Designing a sustainable future

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Schell, Elisabet | Theorell, Tores | Saraste, Helena

Affiliations: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden | Karolinska Institutet, Center for Health Sciences, S-71 77 Stockholm, Sweden 3 Stress Research Institute Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden

Note: [] Corresponding author: Elisabet Schell [email protected] +468251319; 0706702069

Keywords: Aesthetics, ergonomics, work environment, musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, occupational health, stress, sickleave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0334-1430

Journal: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 1430-1440, 2012

Published: 2012
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Abstract

Abstract Associations between self-reported needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements were studied to analyse a possible impact of aesthetic needs on job performance as compared to ergonomic needs in 11 occupational groups. Employees at Swedish broadcasting company were invited to participate in a cross sectional study. 74% (n=1961/2641) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demographic data from company files and a pre-validated questionnaire were used. ‘High rank’ and ‘low rank’ aesthetic and ergonomic needs were compared. The perceived needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements showed significantly different distributions (p<0.001). Aesthetic needs were more frequently reported. No gender related differences were observed. Differences between occupational groups were shown (p=0.006, 0.003).‘High rank’ needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements were similarly associated to psychological demands, stress, pain and age. 16/24 factors showed significant differences between ‘high and low rank’ aesthetic needs, whereas 21/24 between ergonomic needs. Sick leave was stronger related to ergonomics. The study results show a relation between not only work place ergonomics but also work place aesthetics to health and well-being. Future work health promotion and prevention may benefit from the inclusion of workplace aesthetics.

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