The impact of the physical office environment on occupant wellbeing

Langer, Jennifer 2021. The impact of the physical office environment on occupant wellbeing. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background There is increasing interest in the physical office environment’s effect on wellbeing; however, much of the research is correlational, and more longitudinal research is needed. Aims The primary aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between office design and wellbeing. A secondary aim was to create a tool to measure wellbeing and environmental satisfaction in office occupants. Finally, a third aim was to develop office design recommendations to support wellbeing. Methods In Study 1, 215 UK office workers completed an online questionnaire study. The data was used to examine the relationship between office design and wellbeing while also accounting for other wellbeing predictors. Models of wellbeing and environmental satisfaction were tested, showing the pathways linking environmental satisfaction, wellbeing outcomes, and other predictors of wellbeing. A questionnaire was developed to use in the context of office design evaluation. Studies 2 and 3 used longitudinal designs to measure differences in individuals’ environmental satisfaction and wellbeing after an office redesign or when employees were given access to work booths. This was a collaboration between industry and academia, and the partner was given summaries and design recommendations based on the research. Main results Study 1 results indicated that satisfaction with the physical office environment was linked to wellbeing outcomes, separate from the impact of other wellbeing predictors. However, in Study 2, there was no improvement in psychological wellbeing after environmental satisfaction increased following an office redesign. Qualitative data provided insights into aspects of office design that occupants felt affected their wellbeing. Data from the three studies revealed that psychosocial factors, work-related factors, and design implementation issues should be considered in office design interventions aimed at improving wellbeing.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Funders:	KESS
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 October 2021
Date of Acceptance:	7 October 2021
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2022 02:51
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/144731

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