Perceptions of IEQ, well-being and work performance in work-from-home settings
Sanyogita Manu1*, Adam Rysanek1,2
1: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada;
2: School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
DOI: 10.62744/CATE.45273.1136-342-350
Email: sanyogita.manu@ubc.ca
Abstract:
In the final week of March 2020, approximately 4.7 million employees in Canada shifted to a work-
from-home (WFH) arrangement in response to the pandemic. A similar transition occurred on a global scale. With the growing trend of remote work and the shift towards home offices, understanding the effects of objective and subjective indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on individuals' well-being and productivity is crucial. Much of the existing research has been conducted in traditional office environments rather than in WFH settings. This paper aims to provide an analysis of the subjective evaluation of IEQ conditions within WFH settings and their perceived influence on both work performance and well-being. The analysis is based on a field study conducted in the summer of 2022, which involved 94 participants. The most prevalent features available in the workspaces of these individuals included access to exterior views, operable windows, ample daylight, and sufficient workspace. Notably, these features not only received the highest satisfaction ratings from the participants but also appeared to exert a positive impact on both work performance and well-being. Conversely, the most frequently encountered challenges by WFH employees were associated with disturbances originating from street noise and family members, as well as unwanted interruptions. These issues were found to have a more pronounced effect on workers' well-being compared to their impact on work performance. Furthermore, the study revealed significant correlations between overall workspace satisfaction and performance, as well as between well-being and performance, underscoring the interconnectedness of these factors in the WFH context.
Keywords: Indoor environmental quality (IEQ), Work-from-home (WFH), Subjective assessment, Well-being, Work performance, Productivity