Changes in work environment parameters in relation to the comfort and factors influencing productivity of office workers: comprehensive literature review
¹University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
²Riga Stradins University, Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Dzirciema street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
³Latvian Ergonomics Society, Jelgavas street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
⁴Lafivents Ltd., Bauskas street 58, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com
Abstract:
The implications of indoor air quality on human health are well-documented and extensively studied in several researches, encompassing an augmented susceptibility to airborne infections and enduring consequences attributed to diverse chemical pollutants. The repercussions of insufficient air parameters within occupational environments on employee health and productivity are predominantly correlated with perceptions of comfort, satisfaction, the incidence of occupational diseases, and the concentration and decision-making levels. The aim of the study is to develop a causal model of air quality and productivity parameters, based on theoretical analysis, which can be used to assess changes in work environment parameters and their impact on the comfort and productivity of office workers. The theoretical analysis highlighted the significance of employee productivity and the growing importance of well-being in assessing workers’ productivity. Factors such as temperature, humidity, airflow, and especially CO2, were identified as crucial in creating a conducive working environment that influences employee productivity. The research results in the developed indoor air quality parameter matrix as causal model and emphasises the complexity of the relationship between work environment parameters and employee productivity.
Key words:
causal model, cognitive tests, indoor air quality, productivity, wellbeing