Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

Unhealthy employees are inclined to be absent from work and tend to have low job performance and productivity. Among the most cited causes of employees’ illness are Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and stress. However, empirical evidence on the effects of ventilation, temperature, lighting and noise and stress on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are inconsistent and fragmented in nature. The combined effects of both physical environment and psychological state of stress on SBS have not been investigated in tandem with each other. Therefore, this study focused on effects of physical aspects of workplace in terms of ventilation, temperature, lighting and psychological aspect in terms of stress on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Gender and age were controlled as these variables were often regarded to have spurious effects on the relationship among constructs. Data were collected via self-administered survey among 447 manufacturing employees. It is found that only temperature and stress have significant effects (R2= 62.6%) on SBS when age and gender were controlled. Stress has the highest Beta value which indicates stronger influence on SBS. The finding indicates the importance of both management and prevention of physical and psychological aspects of workplace for reducing occupational hazard such as SBS. However, stress might pose a greater risk for employees suffering from SBS.