Office acoustics: Analyzing reverberation time and subjective evaluation

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-80
Author(s):  
Helmut Strasser ◽  
Kristina Gruen ◽  
Werner Koch
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Reverberation Time

Members of the design department in a medium-sized company were complaining to the management about the acoustic situation in new offices which adversely affected their personal well-being and their work performance. Therefore, a field study was conducted to analyze and evaluate the acoustic working conditions in the new offices and to develop improvements where necessary. Objective criteria for the evaluation of communication disturbances during meetings or telephone conversations were obtained by measuring the reverberation time in several offices. Questionnaires with unipolar or bipolar 4-step scales allowed a differentiated judgement of the current acoustic situation and its effects on the person or individual. Improvements of the acoustics were developed and cost-utility prognoses were made. The proposed solutions and their prospective acceptance rate among the employees were assessed before they were implemented.

scholarly journals Quantified factory worker: field study of a web application supporting work well-being and productivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Päivi Heikkilä ◽  
Anita Honka ◽  
Eija Kaasinen ◽  
Kaisa Väänänen
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Production Data ◽  
Automated Manufacturing ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Mental Load ◽  
Machine Operators

AbstractThe work on the factory floor is gradually changing to resemble knowledge work due to highly automated manufacturing machines. In the increasingly automated work environment, the machine operator’s task is to keep the production running and to solve possible problems quickly. This work is expected to become more autonomous, which raises the importance of supporting the workers’ well-being. An important aspect of that is giving concrete feedback of success at work as well as feedback on physical and mental load. We implemented a smartphone optimized web application, Worker Feedback Dashboard that offers feedback to machine operators about their well-being at work and personally relevant production data as well as their connections to each other. The feedback is personal and based on objective, near real-time measurements. We present the results of a field study, in which ten machine operators used the application for 2–3 months. We studied the operators’ user experience, usage activity, perceived benefits and concerns for the application with questionnaires, interviews and application log data. The operators found the feedback interesting and beneficial, and used the application actively. The perceived benefits indicate impacts on well-being as well as on work performance. Based on the results, we highlight three design implications for quantified worker applications: presenting meaningful overviews, providing guidance to act based on the feedback and refraining from too pervasive quantification not to narrow down the meaningful aspects in one’s work.

scholarly journals Effects of a cognitive ergonomics workplace intervention (CogErg) on cognitive strain and well-being: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. A study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Virpi Kalakoski ◽  
Sanna Selinheimo ◽  
Teppo Valtonen ◽  
Jarno Turunen ◽  
Sari Käpykangas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Ergonomics ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background Cognitively straining conditions such as disruptions, interruptions, and information overload are related to impaired task performance and diminished well-being at work. It is therefore essential that we reduce their harmful consequences to individual employees and organizations. Our intervention study implements practices for managing the cognitive strain typical to office work tasks and working conditions in offices. We will examine the effects of a cognitive ergonomics intervention on working conditions, workflow, well-being, and productivity. Methods/design The study is a stratified cluster randomized trial. The clusters are work units, for example, teams or offices. The four participating organizations entered a total of 36 clusters, and we invited all 1169 knowledge employees of these units to participate. We randomly allocated the clusters into an intervention group (cognitive ergonomics) or an active control group (recovery supporting). We invited an additional 471 participants to join a passive control group only for baseline and follow-up measurements, with no intervention. The study consists of a baseline survey and interviews and observations at the workplace, followed by an intervention. It starts with a workshop defining the specific actions for the intervention implementation stage, during which we send task reminder questionnaires to all employees to support behaviour change at the individual and team levels. The primary outcome measure is perceived frequency of cognitive strain from working conditions; the secondary outcome measures include subjective cognitive load, well-being, workflow/productivity, and cognitive stress symptoms. Process evaluation uses the quantitative and qualitative data obtained during the implementation and evaluation phases. The baseline measurements, intervention phase, and end-of-treatment measurements are now complete, and follow-up will continue until November 2019. Discussion There is a need to expand the research of cognitive strain, which poses a considerable risk to work performance and employee well-being in cognitively demanding tasks. Our study will provide new information about factors that contribute to such strain. Most importantly, the results will show which evidence-based cognitive ergonomic practices support work performance in knowledge work, and the project will provide concrete examples of how to improve at work. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03573674. Registered 29 June 2018.

Multi-dimensional Individual Work Performance: Predictors and Mediators

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rostiana Rostiana ◽  
Daniel Lie
Keyword(s):  
Work Engagement ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Individual Work ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support ◽  
The Relationship

Objective - Individual work performance (IWP) has been researched time and time again in the past few decades. Interestingly enough, existing research on IWP focuses mainly on the area of work production and lacks an in-depth holistic understanding of IWP and other interrelated work behaviours. In this study, IWP is explored in the context of a multidimensional construct that includes the dimensions of task, contextual, and counterproductive behaviours. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether the three variables of work engagement (WE), psychological empowerment (PE), and subjective well-being (SWB) mediate and correlate with the relationship between perceived organisational support (POS) and IWP. Methodology/Technique - 780 employees from 4 organisations in Jakarta were selected to participate in this study. The respondents were tasked with responding to five questionnaires including (1) IWP of Koopmans, (2) POS of Eisenberger, (3) SWB of Diener, (4) WE of Baker and Schaufeli, (5) PE of Spreitzer. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings - The results show that the proposed structural model aligns with the empirical data [X2 (0, N = 780) = 0, p = 1.000; RMSEA=.000]. This research concludes that the relationship between POS and IWP is best mediated by either WE, PE or SWB. Among the three mediators, WE plays the greatest role in mediating the relationship between POS and IWP. Novelty - These findings expand on previous research on the weak relationship between POS and IWP. Type of Paper - Empirical. Keywords: Individual Work Performance; Perceived Organizational Support; Psychological Empowerment; Subjective Well-being; Work Engagement. JEL Classification: L20, L25, L29.

ANALISIS JABATAN DAN PENENTUAN INDIKATOR PRESTASI KERJA DIVISI FINANCE DAN ACCOUNTING PADA PT. SPM

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Mora Siregar
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Job Analysis ◽  
Job Descriptions ◽  
Job Responsibilities ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Employment Relationships ◽  
Job Requirements ◽  
Job Functions ◽  
The Subject

This study aims to determine the work performance of the finance and accounting division at PT. SPM. The subject of this research is the finance and accounting division. The method in this research uses questionnaire and interview techniques. The results show that job descriptions, job requirements and employee KPIs that are in line with current company conditions can be compiled and determined. Job / job description contains all information regarding job identity, job functions, job authority, duties and main job responsibilities, other tasks, work documents, working conditions, and employment relationships. Keywords: Job Analysis, Work Performance Indocators Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prestasi kerja divisi finance dan accounting pada PT. SPM. Subjek penelitian ini adalah divisi finance dan accounting. Metode dalam penelitin ini menggunakan teknik koesioner dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa uraian pekerjaan, persyaratan jabatan dan KPI karyawan yang sesuai dengan kondisi perusahaan saat ini dapat disusun dan ditetapkan.Uraian pekerjaan/jabatan memuat semua informasi mengenai identitas jabatan, fungsi jabatan, wewenang jabatan, tugas dan tanggung jawab pokok pekerjaan, tugas-tugas lain, dokumen kerja, kondisi kerja, dan hubungan kerja.   Kata Kunci: Analisi Jabatan, Indikator Prestasi Kerja.

Engaging leadership in the job demands-resources model

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilmar B. Schaufeli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate leadership into the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Based on self-determination theory, it was argued that engaging leaders who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers would reduce employee’s levels of burnout and increase their levels of work engagement. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of the Dutch workforce (n=1,213) and the research model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – It appeared that leadership only had an indirect effect on burnout and engagement – via job demands and job resources – but not a direct effect. Moreover, leadership also had a direct relationship with organizational outcomes such as employability, performance, and commitment. Research limitations/implications – The study used a cross-sectional design and all variables were based on self-reports. Hence, results should be replicated in a longitudinal study and using more objective measures (e.g. for work performance). Practical implications – Since engaged leaders, who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers, provide a work context in which employees thrive, organizations are well advised to promote engaging leadership. Social implications – Leadership seems to be a crucial factor which has an indirect impact – via job demands and job resources – on employee well-being. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that engaging leadership can be integrated into the JD-R framework.

scholarly journals Worker Perspectives on Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into Office Workspaces: Implications for the Future of Office Work

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1690
Author(s):  
Yoko E. Fukumura ◽  
Julie McLaughlin Gray ◽  
Gale M. Lucas ◽  
Burcin Becerik-Gerber ◽  
Shawn C. Roll
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Office Worker ◽  
Office Work ◽  
Worker Performance ◽  
Workplace Environments ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Group Interviews

Workplace environments have a significant impact on worker performance, health, and well-being. With machine learning capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) can be developed to automate individualized adjustments to work environments (e.g., lighting, temperature) and to facilitate healthier worker behaviors (e.g., posture). Worker perspectives on incorporating AI into office workspaces are largely unexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore office workers’ views on including AI in their office workspace. Six focus group interviews with a total of 45 participants were conducted. Interview questions were designed to generate discussion on benefits, challenges, and pragmatic considerations for incorporating AI into office settings. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach. Two primary constructs emerged. First, participants shared perspectives related to preferences and concerns regarding communication and interactions with the technology. Second, numerous conversations highlighted the dualistic nature of a system that collects large amounts of data; that is, the potential benefits for behavior change to improve health and the pitfalls of trust and privacy. Across both constructs, there was an overarching discussion related to the intersections of AI with the complexity of work performance. Numerous thoughts were shared relative to future AI solutions that could enhance the office workplace. This study’s findings indicate that the acceptability of AI in the workplace is complex and dependent upon the benefits outweighing the potential detriments. Office worker needs are complex and diverse, and AI systems should aim to accommodate individual needs.

scholarly journals The Social and Solidarity Economy: An Opportunity for Young Women’s Work Transitions

Young ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 110330882098605
Author(s):  
Roger Soler-i-Martí ◽  
Andreu Camprubí Trepat ◽  
Ester Oliveras ◽  
Mireia Sierra Andrés
Keyword(s):  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School To Work ◽  
Solidarity Economy ◽  
Feminist Economics ◽  
Work Transitions ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Gender

This article analyses to what extent the social and solidarity economy (SSE), the aim of which is to prioritize people’s needs and well-being, can offer young people education-to-work transitions conditions and opportunities which are different from those in the conventional economy. The very nature of SSE means that it is especially suitable for challenging gender inequality and proves to be exceptionally useful for testing feminist economics. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, SSE has shown greater resilience when compared to other sectors, although it is still not widespread. To examine how SSE can improve young women’s experiences and labour trajectories, this article analyses working conditions, job satisfaction and gender roles in school-to-work transitions of young women in SSE in Catalonia. Results show that the collective and value-driven nature of SSE entails a specific awareness and commitment that empower young women’s transitions experiences and expectations.

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