Structural Model for the Effects of Perceived Indoor Work Environment on Sick Building Syndrome and Stress

Nor Hazana Abdullah,Eta Wahab,Nor Aziati Abdul Hamid,Muhamad Shahrul Amirul Shaif,Alina Shamsuddin,A.J Arumugham,R.K Goyal,M Kocisko,M.M Ulkhaq,X Qiu,W.A Yusmawiza

doi:10.1051/matecconf/20166813012

Abstract

Sick Building syndrome (SBS) and stress have a prevalent influence on organizational productivity and competitiveness. Unhealthy employees not only tend to have high medical leaves but also low productivity due to ailments and discomforts. Studies that investigate the effects of indoor work environment on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) have yielded mixed results while their effect on stress has not been empirically established. Furthermore, studies that simultaneously investigate both SBS and stress are almost non-existent. Thus, this study aimed to study the effects of perceived indoor work environment on SBS and stress and the link between SBS and stress. A cross-sectional survey participated by 598 employees from various industries was conducted from September to October 2015. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both the measurement model and the path structure. The results suggest that indoor work environment has significant yet the weak effect on SBS while it has no effect on stress. However, SBS has a strong significant relationship with stress. The implication of this study on the importance of conducive indoor work environment is discussed with suggestions for future studies.

Highlights

Sick Building syndrome (SBS) refers to a constellation of symptoms experienced by employees who are working in the structural confinement of buildings
Studies that investigate the effects of indoor work environment on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) have yielded mixed results while their effect on stress has not been firmly established
In terms of total hours of working, 65.9% had worked between 40-49 hours per week, 16.9% worked less than 39 hours per week, and 17.1% worked more than 50 hours per week

Summary

Introduction

Sick Building syndrome (SBS) refers to a constellation of symptoms experienced by employees who are working in the structural confinement of buildings. Such symptoms include a headache, nose and throat irritation, dry cough and itchiness without known causes/illnesses [1]. Failure to be adaptive to stress has dire consequences at individual and organizational levels [2]. Studies have shown that SBS and stress has an impact on productivity [3] [4], and on job satisfaction [5] [6] and other organizational outcomes. SBS and stress have a prevalent influence on organizational effectiveness. Unhealthy employees tend to have high medical leaves and low productivity and commitment to work due to ailments and discomforts

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Methods

Conclusion