Physical Work Environment Research Articles

Design for Working from Home: Lessons Learned from Architects and Designers during the COVID Era

Technology has revolutionized information and communication, with platforms now enabling employees to work remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has further changed how people work worldwide. Several challenges have been identified for those working remotely, including uncomfortable work environments, increased stress, and depression. However, there is a lack of research on the working from home (WFH) challenges, successes, and conditions for design professionals. In this study, an anonymous online survey was administered to 93 remote architects and interior designers. The survey aimed to explore remote designers' experiences, physical work environment, and required equipment. Most respondents reported experiencing distractions, lack of social interaction and physical activities, and inadequate internet/tools while working remotely. However, 60% of participants reported higher productivity while working remotely and desired improved working conditions to continue WFH. Based on the study's findings, researchers aim to develop and evaluate a pervasive virtual reality enhanced WFH environment for designers in the future.

Applying the PERMA model in employee wellbeing

The aim of this study is to define the essence of wellbeing in employee management, and present the functionality of the PERMA model in positive psychology. The first part of the study describes the multidimensionality of the concept of wellbeing and the difficulties in defining it. An important element of the conducted analysis is the presentation of the positive effects of the implementation of wellbeing in organisations, including elements of wellbeing dimensions and activities affecting wellbeing, while the most important part of the article is the diagnosis of the applicability of the PERMA model in the study of employee wellbeing and positive education. Different elements of the model are described and the latest solutions with regards to its improvement are presented. An analysis of the literature showed that a model with four additional dimensions - physical health, mindset, work environment and economic security - may be the most useful for analysing employee wellbeing. The next part of this publication is devoted to the use of the PERMA model in the classification of interventions, where we show that the model not only enables diagnosis of the weaknesses of wellbeing, but even facilitates the assigning of specific interventions. These solutions make it possible to build wellbeing that positively impacts employee behaviour, with the authors indicating discrepancies in the activities undertaken by organisations and the needs of employees with regards to wellbeing. The findings suggest that employees expect activities related to the development of their mental dimension and economic security, not necessarily related to physical health, which are most commonly implemented by organisations.

The Influence of The Physical Work Environment on Worker Productivity in Krupuk SMEs in Sidoarjo

This study aims to examine the influence of the physical work environment of cracker factory workers in Sidoarjo. This study aims to find out which factors have the most influence among the factors of temperature, noise and lighting and the coloring of the work environment that are suitable for the work productivity of cracker factory workers in Sidoarjo. 
 This research was conducted to improve the performance of Krupuk UKM workers in Gading Village, Krembung-Sidoarjo District by paying attention to a good physical work environment. The work environment is everything that exists around workers who can influence them in carrying out the tasks given. Working conditions where a good workplace includes a physical environment that can provide a sense of security, peace, and fun. The physical work environment is a work environment which includes several aspects that must be considered, these aspects include: a comfortable work space, safe environmental conditions, constant room temperature, adequate lighting, and appropriate room paint colors, so that a productivity result is achieved optimal work.
 The data analysis used in the study used the SPSS program aid with the linear regression method.
 The results of the study are the significance value of the correlation between productivity as measured through the completion time of the milling section and noise (dB) which has a significant correlation value of 0.364; productivity with lighting (lux) has a significant correlation value of 0.141 and productivity with temperature (OC) has a significant correlation value of 0.168. This proves that productivity has a strong relationship with noise (dB) with a significant correlation value of 0.364.
 The solution implemented to maintain work productivity related to noise is to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to cover the ears, namely ear plugs or ear muffs.

Determinants of employee performance: the role of workload and physical work environment

Determinants of employee performance: the role of workload and physical work environment

الرضا الوظيفي والعوامل المرتبطة به لدى العاملين في مجال الرعاية الصحية بمستشفى جامعة الملك فهد بالخبر

Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the levels of job satisfaction and associated factors among healthcare workers at King Fahad University Hospital in Al Khobar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study targeting healthcare workers at King Fahad University Hospital was conducted from October to December 2022. The research population consists of all 2000 healthcare workers at King Fahad University Hospital in Al Khobar. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed and collected. After incomplete questionnaires were excluded, 332 remained to be analyzed. Results: The participants reported high job satisfaction, as indicated by the total mean score for all questionnaire items of 4.39. Furthermore, the factors influencing job satisfaction, ordered from the highest to the lowest percentage, are as follows: work physical environment (89.1%), working hours (88.4%), work culture environment (86.6%), pay benefits package (85.6%), patient satisfaction (84.4%), stress management (83.8%), quality of care provided (81.6%), and other factors (1.9%). The variables of work experience, specialty, educational level, gender, and age affected job satisfaction among healthcare workers. Conclusion: This study revealed a high level of satisfaction among healthcare workers at King Fahad University Hospital and suggests that healthcare workers should be given more organizational support, incentive benefits, and flexible work shifts to enhance their job satisfaction.

Impact of Physical Work Environment upon Nurses’ Job performance in Al-Nassiryah City Hospitals

AbstractObjectives: The work environment has an impact on the performance of nurses, as well as to determine the relationship between the work environment and the performance of nurses.Research methodology: A descriptive analytical study was designed for the impact of the work environment on the performance of nurses' jobs in the hospitals of the city of Nasiriyah. The study began in the period from May 15, 2022 to 1 November, 2022. The non-probability (purposive) sample consisted of (410) nurses working in the city center hospitals. Nasiriyah, they were chosen based on the study criteria, and after obtaining approval from them. The data was collected using the questionnaire, which consists of the first axis: social and demographic data: which consists of demographic information, consisted of (4) items and (16) sub-items which included items (age, gender, level of education and experience) those items that were classified and graded as choosing an appropriate answer. The second axis: information related to the impact that nurses are exposed to while working in your organization. The third axis is information related to the nurses' work performance in the work environment.
 Results: The association between work environment hazards and nurse performance (continuation 1) showed a strong positive relationship (when the nurse is satisfied with her environment, there is an increase in her performance).
 Conclusion: Our study revealed that there are factors in the nursing work environment such as the risks of the physical environment, factors psychosocial environment, and the factors of chemical and factors of biological environment that have a significant positive or negative effect on the performance of nurses' work.
 Recommendations: The work environment can be monitored and improved to maintain the health of nurses working in Nasiriyah city hospitals. Nurses working in Nasiriyah city hospitals can also be provided with information about maintaining a healthy condition and a safe work environment. Regular medical examinations should also be initiated for nurses to maintain their health and protect them from risks environmental potential.

The Effect of Work Environment on Employee Productivity: A Case Study of Manufacturing Company

The work environment plays an important role in employee productivity. Due to the work environment is a set of relationships that exist between employees and the environment where they work. In addition, we can see that most of the common problems that affect the work environment and productivity of employees in manufacturing companies in Batu Pahat is that the workplace perspective of most companies is unhealthy and dangerous. Therefore, this study focuses on the effect of the work environment on employee productivity in a Batu Pahat manufacturing company. In this study, the researcher aims to identify the effect of the work environment on employee productivity in a Batu Pahat manufacturing company. Quantitative methods are used in this research. Questionnaires were distributed to 384 respondents in manufacturing companies in Batu Pahat. The response rate was 70.31% and data was collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results of the descriptive analysis show that working conditions are the main effect of employee productivity in manufacturing companies in Batu Pahat. The physical work environment, working conditions and workplace layout have a significant relationship between employee productivity. This research will help research to know more about the effects of the work environment. This finding may be a reference for companies in manufacturing to know the work environment that can affect employee productivity.

Analisis Lingkungan Kerja Pada Perum Peruri (Perusahaan Umum Percetakan Uang Republik Indonesia)

Analisis Lingkungan Kerja Pada Perum Peruri (Perusahaan Umum Percetakan Uang Republik Indonesia)

Does employment status matter for job quality? A cross-national perspective.

Dual labour market theory raises questions about the relationship between non-standard employment and job quality. While scattered empirical evidence exists, there is a paucity of systematic evidence on the relationship between workers' employment status and job quality. The authors investigated the relation between workers' employment status (e.g., open-ended, long- and short-term fixed contracts, economically dependent and independent solo self-employment, and self-employment with employees) and important dimensions of job quality (JQ) (e.g., employment prospects, physical work environment, skills and discretion, and working times quality). Cross-national variation in that relation and causes of that variation (e.g., country-level unemployment rate and labour market efficiency) were also investigated. Hierarchical regression modelling was applied using a sample of 34,094 workers from the European Working Conditions Survey 2015. The study highlighted a negative association between fixed-term contracts and JQ. For self-employed workers (except economically dependent self-employed workers) a generally positive association was observed. In this study, also positive associations were found between labour market efficiency at the country-level and some JQ indicators. National unemployment rates were negatively associated to most JQ indicators. Non-standard employment contracts exhibited poorer job quality than open-ended contracts. Stronger labour market organization centred around indicators of both flexibility and equity related to more beneficial job quality for all employment statuses, thereby promoting more labour market inclusivity.

Pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja Fisik Terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan PD Sahang Mas

To improve employee performance, every organization needs to pay attention to the job satisfaction of its employees. One of the factors that can affect employee job satisfaction is the environmental conditions in the place where he works, both physical and non-physical. This study aims to analyze the effect of the physical work environment on job satisfaction of PD Sahang Mas employees. The population in this study were all employees of PD Sahang Mas, totaling 33 employees. With saturated sampling technique, the number of samples used in this study amounted to 33 employees. The data collection method used was questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale. The instrument test was carried out using validation and reliability tests. The analysis technique used is simple linear regression analysis using the SPSS application. Based on the results of the analysis it was concluded that the physical work environment has a positive and significant effect on the job satisfaction of PD Sahang Mas employees.

Understanding factors influencing the use of clinical guidelines in low-income and middle-income settings: a scoping review

ObjectiveA scoping review was undertaken to determine the extent to which existing studies have examined factors influencing healthcare providers’ use of clinical guidelines in low and middle-income country (LMIC) settings...

Productivity in the workplace and Its relation to physical and intangible factors

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the effect of physical and non-physical work environment on employee productivity. The population of this study consisted of fifty employees of Samsung Experience Store Jayapura. The census sampling method was used to determine the sample size of this study, so that all population members were used as samples. The data source used is primary data, which is data collected directly from respondents through questionnaires by researchers. Descriptive statistical analysis, validity and reliability test, normality test, autocorrelation test, heteroscedasticity test, multicollinearity test, and hypothesis testing through multiple linear regression analysis, partial test, simultaneous test, and coefficient of determination test will be part of the data analysis procedure. The findings of this study indicate that physical and non-physical work environment variables have a positive influence on the work productivity of Samsung Experience Store Jayapura employees. The findings of this study indicate that the physical and non-physical work environment has a positive and statistically significant influence on the work productivity of Samsung Experience Store Jayapura employees.

The Influence Of Occupational Health and Safety, Physical Work Environment and Work Motivation On Job Satisfaction

The research objective was to determine the effect of Occupational Health and Safety, Physical Work Environment, and Motivation on Worker Satisfaction. This type of research is quantitative research with descriptive analysis to assess a data characteristic. The population in this research object is 70 people, and the sample of all members of the population is 70 people. Saturated sample is a sampling technique in this study, because it uses all members of the existing population. The data collection method used a questionnaire and was analyzed using the method of multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS version 22. The results showed that Occupational Health and Safety had a positive and significant effect on Worker Satisfaction, the Physical Work Environment did not have a positive and significant effect on Worker Satisfaction, Motivation had an effect positive and significant to Employee Satisfaction. As well as Occupational Health and Safety, Physical Work Environment, and Motivation simultaneously affect Worker Satisfaction

The Influence of The Work Environment on Job Satisfaction of Samsat Office UPT Revenue Regional Region of Makassar 1

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the work environment on the job satisfaction of the Samsat Office UPT Regional Income Makassar 1 regionally partially and simultaneously. The samples used were 40 employees of the UPT Regional Revenue Samsat Office Makassar Region 1. The data collection technique was carried out by means of a questionnaire. Data analysis techniques consist of validity test, reliability test, classic assumption test consisting of normality test, multicollinearity test, and heteroscedasticity test, multiple linear analysis test, hypothesis test, test of the coefficient of determination. Physical Work Environment Variables have a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, and Non-Physical Work Environment variables have a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction. The most dominant variable affecting job satisfaction is the non-physical work environment variable. The dependent variable job satisfaction can be explained by variables consisting of the physical work environment, and the remaining non-physical work environment is explained by other variables that were not examined in this study.

Identifikasi Faktor Iklim Kerja, Kebisingan, dan Pencahayaan pada Sektor UMKM Kediri

Occupational health and safety is an important aspect that needs to be considered in the company's management system, because it involves activities or activities that protect and maintain the resources or inputs owned by the company such as equipment, facilities and human resources from accidents that can be harmful and detrimental company. UKM Kediri is an association of UMKM, namely UKM Making Tofu, Making Herbal Beverages, Making Crackers, and Self-Service Sales. To run this MSME, each MSME has a way to produce well in different ways. In the production process, UMKM still pays little attention to the physical work environment, specifically in the Working Climate, Noise and Lighting sections. This research is descriptive in nature with a cross-sectional design in this measurement referring to the Minister of Manpower Standard Number 5 of 2018 concerning Occupational Safety. From the results of Identification of Working Climate Factors, Noise, and Lighting in the Kediri MSME Sector that the working climate factors in the cracker oven section and the cracker dough cooking section still exceed the NAB standard. the noise factor in the Soybean Boiling, Tofu Printing, and Herbal Beverage Squeezing Production Sites is close to NAV. the lighting factor in the Production Area for Squeezing Herbal Beverages, the Cracker Printing Area, the Materials Section and the Dough Mixing Container is still insufficient to exceed the NAV. The working climate factor needs to be controlled, the lighting factor is still inadequate, it is necessary to add lighting and noise that exceeds the threshold value, but there are 2 points in the Kediri MSME production process for the need for personal protective equipment (earphones).

Lity of work life (QoWL) among farmers in Thailand

Working conditions and quality of work life reflect a person’s overall quality of life and wellbeing. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study was to investigate the working conditions, quality of work life, and related factors among farmers. The samples consisted of 445 farmers from the Wang Chin and Song Districts in Phrae Province, Thailand. Data collection was accomplished through a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equation model was specified to investigate the extent to which individual characteristics, interpersonal factors, and working conditions contribute to the quality of work life. More than half of the participants were (52.1%) men; the average age was 48.26 years; the average monthly income was 5,113.48 THB; 89% held debt; and 56.9% were landowners. Farmers’ perceptions of working conditions, namely, the physical, chemical, and ergonomic working environment were poor, and there was a significant risk of workplace accidents. The results revealed that the overall quality of work life among employees was moderate (82.9%). The causal model of the quality of work life was assessed and justified through SEM. The model fits well with the empirical data (GFI = 0.973, AGFI = 0.912, CFI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.062, SRMR = 0.053). A combination of marital status, relationships with family and peers, social support, the biological environment, and ergonomics explained 23.3% of the variation in the quality of work life. The findings indicate that government organizations involved in agricultural work should work with interdisciplinary groups to improve the quality of farmers’ working lives. It is recommended that a one-stop service center be established in an easily accessible area, as a resource for farmers to store their knowledge and gain inspiration. Farmers should be encouraged to work together to improve their ability to negotiate and the community’s ability to build a sustainable quality of life.

Microanalysis of Employee Retention Strategies

Maintaining top-tier personnel is difficult for convenience stores, as they must compete against larger businesses with higher budgets and more employee advantages. This study aimed to determine the employee retention management practices in selected convenience stores in Cavite, Philippines. It utilized a descriptive research design and convenience sampling technique to select the respondents. The data was acquired by utilizing self-constructed questionnaires and Likert-scale to determine the effectiveness of employee retention. The study found that most respondents who manage a convenience store have 1 to 9 employees, have been operating for 6 to 8 years, and were small enterprises. The study found that variables such as employee compensation, physical working environment, employee growth, engagement, and employee support were highly effective in retaining employees. The researchers recommend that employees seek a good organization that listens to them and cares about their general well-being. Respectively, managers and/or owners should develop efficient and effective strategies to retain and manage employees in a sustainable manner.

PENGARUH LINGKUNGAN KERJA FISIK, KEPUASAAN KERJA DAN HUMAN RELATION TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADAPT CITRA PUTERA UTAMA PRINGSEWU

This study aims to examine how employee performance at PT Citra Putera Utama Pringsewu is impacted by the physical work environment, job satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships. The study was carried out at PT Citra Putera Utama Pringsewu, where a decline in employee performance had an effect on business performance. The Partial Least square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM 3.0) is the analysis method used in the quantitative research method. With a total of 70 respondents, 20 women and 50 men. This sampling method uses non-probability sampling and saturated sampling techniques. “The analysis's findings indicate a significant positive relationship between the physical workspace, employee satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships and performance. Employee performance is influenced by the physical work environment, which also has an impac to job satisfaction, human relation, and employee performance. Employee performance at PT Citra Putera Utama Pringsewu is indirectly impacted by the physical work place.

Work fatigue during COVID-19 lockdown teleworking: the role of psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions.

During national lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously office-based workers who transitioned to home-based teleworking faced additional demands (e.g., childcare, inadequate homeworking spaces) likely resulting in poor work privacy fit. Previous office research suggests poor work privacy fit is associated with lower wellbeing and higher work fatigue. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between childcare duties during pandemic teleworking and work fatigue. In addition to psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), which are acknowledged predictors of work fatigue, this poses a significant threat to occupational health during pandemic teleworking. However, the relative effects of aspects of the psychosocial environment (job demands and resources), the home office environment (including privacy fit), and the social environment (childcare) on work fatigue as well as their interactions are under-explored. This study examined the relationships between the psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions of teleworking during the first COVID-19 lockdown and work fatigue. Specifically, the study examined teleworkers' physical work environment (e.g., if and how home office space is shared, crowding, and noise perceptions) as predictors of privacy fit and the relationship between privacy fit, childcare, psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), and work fatigue. Work privacy fit was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between childcare and work fatigue. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with teleworkers (n = 300) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April and May 2020; most participants were in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Path analysis was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Privacy fit was lower for those reporting greater levels of noise in home-working spaces and those feeling crowded at home. Work fatigue was lower amongst those with greater privacy fit and higher amongst those with high levels of job demand. An indirect relationship was observed between childcare and work fatigue with privacy fit mediating this relationship. The influence of privacy fit has so far been largely neglected in research on teleworking, especially during the pandemic. However, its contribution to workers' wellbeing should be acknowledged in occupational health strategies.

Assessment of Exoskeletons on Nurses' Quality of Work Life: A Pilot Study at Foch Hospital.

The prevention of occupational risks is part of the quality of work life and it is a component that improves the physical work environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how to maintain posture and to reduce pain and fatigue for nurses, with an exoskeleton adapted to the work at hospital. The exoskeleton was used between 2022 to 2023 at Foch Hospital, France. Phase 1 consisted of the selection of the exoskeleton, and Phase 2 included the testing of the device by the nurses and a questionnaire to assess it. The "active" ATLAS model from JAPET, ensuring lumbar protection, was selected because it corresponds to all the specification criteria to tackle the nurses' unmet need. Among the 14 healthcare professionals, 86% were women; the age of the nurses was between 23 years old and 58 years old. The global median satisfaction score of the nurses relative to the use of the exoskeleton was 6/10. The median impact of the exoskeleton on nurses' fatigue was 7/10. The implementation of the exoskeleton received global positive qualitative feedback from the nurses concerning the improvement of posture and the reduction in fatigue and pain.