Workplace aesthetics: impact of environments upon employee health as compared to ergonomics.
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.
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. e.schell@telia.com
Elisabet
E
Schell
Tores
T
Theorell
Helena
H
Saraste
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004526:Efficiency; D006804:Ergonomics; D004954:Esthetics; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011845:Radio; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013690:Television; D017132:Workplace