Affiliations: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular
Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden | Karolinska Institutet, Center for Health Sciences,
Stockholm, Sweden | Stress Research Institute StockholmUniversity,
Stockholm, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Elisabet Schell, Torsburgsv\"{a}gen
2, S-16855 Bromma/Stockholm, Sweden. Tel.: +468251319; E-mail:
e.schell@telia.com
Abstract: Associations between self-reported~need for aesthetic improvements
in the workplace and the need for ergonomic improvement and health factors were
investigated to determine the possible impact of aesthetic needs on job
performance. The need for aesthetic improvements were compared with the need
for ergonomic improvements. All employees at a Swedish broadcasting company
were invited to participate in this cross sectional study. Of those who
fulfilled the inclusion criteria the participation rate was 74% (1961/2641).
Demographic data was obtained from company files and pre-validated
questionnaire was used for data collections from the participants. additional
questions on needs for improvement were developed, tested for repeatability,
and demonstrated to be within acceptable limits. Differences between 'high
rank' and 'low rank' aesthetic needs and ergonomic needs were correlated to set
ups of demographic, work environmental and organisational and health
variables. The perceived needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements showed
significantly different distributions (p<0.001). Aesthetic needs were more
frequently reported than ergonomic needs. There was no significant gender
related difference in response distribution of aesthetic or ergonomic needs,
whereas differences between occupational groups were shown (0.006 and 0.003).
'High rank' needs for aesthetic improvement were associated to
psychologically demanding work, negative work stress, sleep disturbances,
problems at work, musculoskeletal pain and lower age. Gender and physical
training did not differ between 'high and low rank' responders regarding
neither aesthetic nor ergonomic needs. Sick leave was stronger related to
ergonomics. The independently tested associations with aesthetic needs were
similar to, but fewer than those for ergonomic needs with regard to the
variable set ups. Sixteen studied factors out of 24, showed significant
difference between 'high and low rank' aesthetic needs, and 21/24 of ergonomic
needs, independently tested. The study results show a relation between work place aesthetics and
health and well-being. Future work health promotion and prevention may benefit
from the inclusion of an assessment of workplace aesthetics.
Keywords: Aesthetics, ergonomics, work environment, musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, occupational health, stress, sick-leave
