Structural equation modeling of office environment quality,sick building syndrome,and musculoskeletal complaints on aggregate satisfaction of office workers

This study aims to analyze the effects of office environment quality (OEQ), sick building syndrome (SBS), and musculoskeletal complaints on aggregate office satisfaction level using the structural equation. A questionnaire survey targeting 483 office workers of 18 public agencies was conducted and surveyed on workers’ characteristics (gender, age, work experience, work hours, and computer time of day), OEQ satisfaction level (temperature and humidity, lighting, noise, and air quality), SBS frequency (eye, noise, throat, skin, and headache), musculoskeletal complaints intensity (neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, waist, and leg), and aggregate office satisfaction level. As a result of the model using the structural equation, the level of OEQ on temperature and humidity, noise, and air quality directly affect the level of SBS frequency. Also, the OEQ level indirectly affects both musculoskeletal complaints’ intensity and aggregate office satisfaction level via the level of SBS frequency. Thus, providing pleasant office environments can be an effective measure to enhance office workers’ satisfaction, because workers’ levels for musculoskeletal complaints and aggregate office satisfaction depend on OEQ and SBS levels.     

Effects of lensed-indirect and parabolic lighting on the satisfaction,visual health,and productivity of office workers

Abstract

A pre- and post-renovation survey evaluated the reactions of office workers to two office lighting systems: a parabolic downlighting system and a ceiling suspended, lensed-indirect uplighting system. Questionnaire data on work content, perception of ambient environmental conditions (including office lighting), work-related health symptoms, job stress, job satisfaction, and self-reported productivity, and environmental data on illumination, air temperature, and relative humidity were collected. The lensed-indirect lighting system was more favourably rated on several subjective lighting impressions scales, and for computer work workers reported fewer screen glare problems, and fewer and less frequent problems with tired eyes and eye focusing. Productivity was less hindered by the lensed-indirect lighting, and satisfaction with office lighting and ratings of lighting quality were significantly higher for this system. These reactions were not associated with any differences in levels of illumination between the lighting systems. Ratings of lighting satisfaction and lighting importance were inversely related. Overall, some two-thirds of workers indicated a preference for working under the lensed-indirect lighting system.     

A longitudinal study of health complaints in professional computer work: Effects of computer‐aided design

Employees from the design and manufacturing departments of 4 companies participated in a longitudinal questionnaire and interview study of health complaints related to computer‐aided design (CAD). Data was collected on 2 occasions at 4‐year intervals. The severity of musculo‐skeletal complaints, eye complaints and skin rashes were approximately the same on Occasions 1 and 2. No results demonstrated a relation between the amount of CAD work and the severity of health complaints. There were more musculo‐skeletal and eye complaints reported by women than by men, whereas complaints were also more common among older CAD users than younger ones. Participants with a greater work load or less support from leaders reported a greater severity of musculo‐skeletal complaints. Great work load and less leader support were not connected with the amount of CAD work.     

Cyberloafing and job burnout: An investigation in the knowledge-intensive sector

Cyberloafing in the knowledge-intensive settings has hitherto remained an underexplored research terrain. This is despite that, among others, the implications of cyberloafing in the knowledge-intensive context are more costly to the employers as compared to other less-knowledge-intensive settings. The motivations, moderators and consequences of cyberloafing among knowledge workers appear to have multifarious differences and contextual nuances. One of the significant determinants and increasing vulnerabilities of the knowledge-intensive setting is job burnout. This paper particularly focuses on and studies the inter-relationship of job burnout and cyberloafing. The viewpoints of knowledge-workers at a cross-section of organizational levels have been studied through quantitative surveys. The findings show that both facets of cyberloafing (activities and behaviors) have significant impact on job burnout among knowledge workers. It is also proved that cyberloafing ‘behaviors’ is a stronger predictor of job burnout than cyberloafing ‘activities’.     

Effect of job demands and social support on worker stress: a study of VDT users

This study examined the effect of job demands (quantitative workload and computer-related problems) and social support (supervisor and co-worker support) on stress of VDT users. A survey questionnaire was administered to employees of three public service organizations. Two-hundred and sixty-two office workers participated in this study. Results showed that job demands (quantitative workload and computer-related problems) had a direct effect on psychological complaints of VDT users. On the other hand, co-worker support did not affect worker stress. Supervisor support was a buffer against worker stress both in the low and high job demands conditions. However, supervisor support did not have any interactive buffering effect on the relationship between job demands and worker stress.     

Computer training, frequency of usage and burnout: the moderating role of computer self-efficacy

The main aim of this paper is to test the moderating role of computer self-efficacy in the relationship among computer training, frequency of usage and burnout (i.e. exhaustion and cynicism). The sample was made up of 140 workers using computer-aided technology in their jobs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were carried out. Results show that frequency of usage and computer training are positively associated with computer self-efficacy. Futhermore, we found interaction effects between computer training×computer self-efficacy on both indicators of burnout as outcomes. Computer self-efficacy moderated the relationship between computer training and burnout. Limitations of the study and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

The comparison of accommodative response and ocular movements in viewing 3D and 2D displays

Some people often appear asthenopia symptoms of eye fatigue, double vision, nausea, and dizziness while viewing 3D movies. By testing the changes of accommodation function and ocular movements during watching 3D and 2D movies, the factors in visual discomfort are confirmed in this study.20 subjects with normal visual acuity and binocular vision function view 3D and 2D movies with the same content for 30 min, and the amplitude of accommodation, binocular vergence ability, stereo-acuity, and tear break-up time of the subjects before and after viewing the films are measured. Furthermore, an open-field auto-refractor is utilized for synchronously testing the change of accommodative response while viewing 3D and 2D films, and Skalar IRIS tracking system is applied to record ocular movements through infrared positioning.In comparison with viewing 2D movies, the accommodative response and ocular movements reveal obvious changes while viewing 3D movies. The accommodation ability and binocular vergence ability obviously drop after viewing 3D movies; moreover, the stability of stereo-acuity and tear film also gets worse. The changes of such physiological factors might be the major cause of asthenopia.     

Physical discomfort and psychosocial job stress among male and female operators at telecommunication call centers in Taiwan

The prevalence of job stress, distributions of major job stressors, and associations between perceived job stress levels and multiple physical discomforts are assessed via a cross-sectional study of 1023 male and female operators at telecommunication call centers in Taiwan. Cases of discomfort are identified via questionnaire surveys requiring respondents to self-reported symptoms of discomfort. Information is obtained on demographics, health status, perceived job stress levels, major job stressors and psychosocial job characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models are developed to predict physical discomfort in nine body areas. ‘Eye strain’, ‘hoarse or painful throat’ and ‘musculoskeletal discomfort’ are the most pronounced and prevalent complaints after prolonged work time at call centers. Female operators had higher prevalence of physical discomfort than male operators for all body areas. ‘Encountering difficult customers’ ranked as the most important job stress factor among both male and female operators. Working in a call center for more than 4 years is strongly associated with discomfort in all body areas (odds ratio ranges from 1.65 to 2.15). Analysis of risk factors vs. physical discomfort reveals that operators who perceive higher job stress have significantly increased risk of several health complaints, including eye strain, tinnitus, hoarse or painful throat, chronic cough with phlegm, chest tightness, irritable stomach or peptic ulcers, frequent urination and musculoskeletal discomfort.     

Microbiological pollution and ocular infection in CAD operators: an on-site investigation

A large number of workers are currently employed in tasks involving the use of computer based equipment. Much research has been carried out both on prevalence and incidence of ocular and visual disorders as well as on occupational asthenopia. Less attention has been given to investigating the possibility of a microbiological pollution of Video Display Unit (VDU) workstations and to the consequent possible development of work-related ocular infections. The authors investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi on Computer Assisted Design (CAD) workstations and in the conjunctival sac of the operators.     

Microbiological pollution and ocular infection in CAD operators: an on-site investigation

A large number of workers are currently employed in tasks involving the use of computer based equipment. Much research has been carried out both on prevalence and incidence of ocular and visual disorders as well as on occupational asthenopia. Less attention has been given to investigating the possibility of a microbiological pollution of Video Display Unit (VDU) workstations and to the consequent possible development of work-related ocular infections. The authors investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi on Computer Assisted Design (CAD) workstations and in the conjunctival sac of the operators.     

Induced pupillary hippus following near vision: increased occurrence in visual display unit workers

Using a quasistatic method, it has been found previously that one-third of normal subjects retained pupillary constriction under empty-field conditions for a substantial period following a near-vision task. This pupil after-effect was dissociated from adaptation of tonic accommodation. In this paper, essentially the same method was used to investigate further the effects of near vision on pupil response in VDU (Visual Display Unit) workers with complaint of general fatigue and/or asthenopia. In some cases, large and slow pupillary oscillation accompanied by miosis was noted after near vision. Pupillary oscillation is a well-established phenomenon that has a broadly spread frequency spectrum with an occasional component ‘hippus’ at approximately 0·2 Hz. A proportion of subjects (30 out of 100) showed hippus, a consistent oscillation of 0·22 Hz (SD = 0·03 Hz) in VDU workers, while only one out of 24 normal subjects showed this. Occurrence of pupillary hippus following near vision increased in VDU workers. It was suggested that this hippus is concerned with cumulative asthenopia and/or general fatigue although the origin of hippus is still unknown.     

The effects of long-term VDT usage on the nature and incidence of asthenopic symptoms

An opportunity arose in 1985 to become involved in a transition of working practice from hard copy to VDT. Over a two-year period, 161 VDT users and 65 control subjects in the same office environment were regularly and routinely examined for symptoms of asthenopia. The analysis of data shows that there are no significant differences in type, number and frequency of the work-related symptoms between VDT users and non-VDT users. It appears that reporting of symptoms within the group may be random, although certain symptoms do appear more frequently than others. Additionally, it appears that there is a significant difference between male and female users in the frequency of symptom reporting.     

The relationships between work intensity,workaholism, burnout,and self‐reported musculoskeletal complaints

Technological advances within the work environment have dynamically changed the tools with which work is done and the methods applied for performing it, with a large amount of modern work being fast‐paced and sedentary in nature, that is, being done seated in front of a computer screen. This study investigated the relationship between work intensity, workaholism, burnout, and musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). The results of this study could assist organizations in gaining a clearer understanding of how each of these constructs influences the other, promoting a healthier, and ultimately more productive workforce. A cross‐sectional research design was adopted and implemented by means of a survey amongst office employees within a large engineering services organization (n = 398). Structural equation modeling methods were applied to analyze the data. The results revealed that work intensity was positively related to workaholism and that workaholism was, in turn, also positively related to employees’ burnout and MSCs. Finally, burnout was also shown to be significantly related to MSCs. Awareness of these phenomena and the promotion of effort recovery is important to obviate the effects on employee health and well‐being in the long term.     

The influence of work characteristics on the need for recovery and experienced health: a study on coach drivers

Work characteristics, occupationally-induced fatigue, and health complaints were investigated on the basis of questionnaire data from 363 randomized coach drivers. The hypothesis was tested that, apart from high job demands and low job control, need for recovery is an indicator of occupationally-induced health complaints. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that need for recovery was a major predictor of psychosomatic complaints, sleep complaints, and complaints of emotional exhaustion in coach drivers. The influence of job demands and job control on health problems was moderately confirmed. The results of this study draw attention to the role of the need for recovery, as a sign of occupationally-induced fatigue and predictor of health complaints, in future research on occupational stress.     

Online customer service and emotional labor: An exploratory study

The recent growth of service industries as well as the rise of e-commerce has increased the number of online customer service workers. Research on face-to-face service work has shown that these workers are expected to display certain emotions in the course of their work, a phenomenon known as emotional labor. However, little is known about emotional communication among online customer service workers. We explored emotional labor in an online context by examining the degree of emotional presence in mediated service interactions and its relationship with workers' acting strategies (i.e., surface acting, deep acting). Further, we examined if emotional presence and acting strategies predict job satisfaction as well as burnout. Data collected from 130 online customer service workers indicated that they perceive the highest emotional presence in phone conversations, followed by email and chat. Although there was little relationship between emotional presence and acting strategies, those who engage in surface acting are less satisfied with their job and more likely to experience burnout. In addition, those who feel a higher degree of emotional presence over the phone tend to experience higher job satisfaction and less burnout. These findings suggest that online customer service workers also engage in emotional labor.     

An epidemiological study of low-back pain in crane operators

A survey among workers in a steel factory was conducted to determine the risk for low-back pain (LBP) among male crane operators. Crane operators (n = 33) were matched for age with male control workers (n = 30) and examined for frequency and nature of LBP by the on-site medical service. Comparison between crane operators and controls showed a statistically significant odds ratio for LBP of 3.6. Although crane operators had been exposed more often to backstraining factors in previous occupations, in the employed logistic analysis only their current job explained the elevated occurrence of LBP. It is suggested that workers in sedentary position with exposure to whole-body vibration are at special risk for LBP. The results of this study provide evidence to strongly recommend persons with a history of back complaints not to seek employment as crane operators.     

An epidemiological study of low-back pain in crane operators

Abstract

A survey among workers in a steel factory was conducted to determine the risk for low-back pain (LBP) among male crane operators. Crane operators (n = 33) were matched for age with male control workers (n = 30)p and examined for frequency and nature of LBP by the on-site medical service. Comparison between crane operators and controls showed a statistically significant odds ratio for LBP of 3-6. Although crane operators had been exposed more often to backstraining factors in previous occupations, in the employed logistic analysis only their current job explained the elevated occurrence of LBP. It is suggested that workers in sedentary position with exposure to whole-body vibration are at special risk for LBP. The results of this study provide evidence to strongly recommend persons with a history of back complaints not to seek employment as crane operators.     

Insights about mental health aspects at intralogistics workplaces – A field study

The present field study investigated mental health aspects at intralogistics workplaces, as cognitive and social demands have largely changed in this branch. Within a cross-sectional, mixed methods study design, forty-one intralogistics employees completed a survey about their working conditions and mental states. Further, nine workers participated in a systematic, qualitative group interview to obtain intralogistics specific job resources and job demands. The results were compared to known mechanisms from a long-established psychological model (the Job-Demands and Resources model, JD-R model) to evaluate if these general assumptions still apply at modern working conditions. As expected and in line with the JD-R model, regression analyzes supported that job resources predicted work engagement (p < .05) and job demands predicted burnout symptoms (p < .001) even at modern intralogistics workplaces. However, no interaction effects (Job Demands X Job Resources) were found. The qualitative interviews highlighted several job demands and job resources, which were reported as especially relevant for modern intralogistics workplaces by the participants. Based on the findings, practical recommendations were evolved for the improvement of mental health at intralogistics workplaces. Job resources, for example process transparency or respectful and esteeming leadership behavior, can be increased in order to improve work engagement. Job demands, for example task interruptions, excessive time pressure or profuse exposure to physical stress should be controlled to reduce burnout symptoms.     

网络环境下智能监控综述

网络环境下的智能监控在各类技术背景的支持下迅速发展了起来,广泛应用于生产制造、智能安检、图像检索、医疗影像分析等领域。与此同时,对其核心计算机视觉的研究更是处在高新技术研究领域的前沿。现今计算机视觉技术面临着语义信息描述模糊、效率低下等诸多问题。本文旨在研究网络环境下的智能监控技术的基础上,回顾并分析其发展轨迹,梳理各核心技术的内在联系并加以归纳总结,展望其发展趋势,并针对其热点研究之-视觉跟踪,特别是多摄像头协同工作的情况,进行了较为详细的介绍。     

Impact of noise on self-rated job satisfaction and health in open-plan offices: a structural equation modelling approach

This study uses a structural equation model to examine the effects of noise on self-rated job satisfaction and health in open-plan offices. A total of 334 employees from six open-plan offices in China and Korea completed a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included questions assessing noise disturbances and speech privacy, as well as job satisfaction and health. The results indicated that noise disturbance affected self-rated health. Contrary to popular expectation, the relationship between noise disturbance and job satisfaction was not significant. Rather, job satisfaction and satisfaction with the environment were negatively correlated with lack of speech privacy. Speech privacy was found to be affected by noise sensitivity, and longer noise exposure led to decreased job satisfaction. There was also evidence that speech privacy was a stronger predictor of satisfaction with environment and job satisfaction for participants with high noise sensitivity. In addition, fit models for employees from China and Korea showed slight differences.

Practitioner Summary: This study is motivated by strong evidence that noise is the key source of complaints in open-plan offices. Survey results indicate that self-rated job satisfaction of workers in open-plan offices was negatively affected by lack of speech privacy and duration of disturbing noise.