Office Environment

1. Chapter 5 Office Environment

2. The Smart Office • Technologies are likely to be partially or fully integrated • “Smart-wired” telecommunications systems • Telephone may be used to perform numerous functions • Office environment multifaceted • Lighting, color scheme, acoustics, and condition of air affect the environment

3. Elements of the Office Environment Lighting Acoustics Color Scheme Condition of the Air

4. Sick-Building Syndrome • Indoor Air Pollution • Noise Pollution • Lighting Problems

5. What are Symptoms Sick Building Syndrome? • Headaches • Eye, nose, and throat irritation, • Dry cough • Dizziness and nausea • Fatigue • Sensitivity to odors • Considered to exist if 20% employees complain (p. 79)

6. Study of the relationship of employees to their physical environment Ergonomics Integrates several disciplines Psychology Physiology Sociology Communication theories

7. Impact of Not Paying Attention to the Office Environment Employee productivity decreases. Employee morale decreases. Absenteeism and tardiness increase. Error rates increase. Physical well-being of employees may be jeopardized.

8. Repetitive motion injuries are becoming more common Carpal tunnel syndrome is most prevalent of these injuries. CTS results from the long-term irritation of the tendons connecting one’s hands and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome costs to companies continue to rise each year

9. Electromagnetic radiation is caused by video display terminals Is thought to cause a higher-than-average rate of miscarriage, cancer, birth defects, and heart disease.

10. Computer vision syndrome is a result of video display terminals Occurs when the viewing requirements of the task being performed exceed the visual capabilities of the person performing the task.

11. Indoor air pollution results from improperly designed building ventilation systems Often results from a ventilation system that has outgrown its capability.

12. Lighting Affects Employees Physically Psychologically

13. Characteristics of Lighting Systems Equivalent Spherical Illumination Measures the effective- ness of lighting systems. Is a direct-brightness ratio. Visual Comfort Probability Measures the quantity of light at the work surface. Task Illumination

14. Equivalent Spherical Illumination Is influenced negatively by glares and reflections. Is affected by the degree of contrast between the work surface and the materials with which the employee works. Provides a measure of lighting uniformity. An ESI of 40 or higher is recommended. If minimum ESI of work surface at least 2/3’s of work area, lighting of work area considered adequately uniform.

15. Visual Comfort Probability Is affected negatively by visible bright light or visible reflectors. Should be at least .70 for routine office work and .90 when computers are used extensively in the area.

16. Task Illumination Is expressed in raw foot-candles, which is the amount of light produced one foot from a candle. Most office work requires 100 to 150 foot-candles of light.

17. Types of Lighting Systems Direct General diffuse Semidirect Indirect Semi-indirect

18. Direct Lighting 90-100 percent of the illumination is directed downward to work surface. Creates glares, reflections, and shadows.

19. Semidirect Lighting 60-90 percent of light is directed down- ward, with remainder directed upward and then reflected back downward. Shadows are less of a problem with with direct lighting systems.

20. Indirect Lighting 90-100 percent of light is directed upward, which then is diffused and is reflected downward. Eliminates most shadows and glares. This system is recommended for most types of offices.

21. Semi-indirect Lighting 60-90 percent of the light is directed up- ward and then reflected downward. Remainder of light is directed downward. Shadows and glare are more problematic than with indirect lighting.

22. General Diffuse 40-60 percent of light is directed to work surface with remainder reflected down- ward. Shadows and glare are more noticeable than with semi-indirect.

23. Task/ambient Lighting Uses lighting fixtures mounted in the furniture. Illuminates the work surface. Task Is frequently directed downward. Illuminates the area surrounding the work surface. Ambient Is frequently directed upward.

24. Kinds of Lighting Natural Not very dependable. Continues to be the most common type of lighting system. Fluorescent Is not as efficient as fluorescent lighting—cost less/produces heat. Incandescent High-intensity discharge Sometimes distorts colors.

25. Kinds of Automatic Light Control Systems Photocell Measures the amount of illumina- tion in an area and adjusts accordingly. Sensor Senses the presence of people in an area and turns lights on automatically. Computer Technology turns lights on and off at predetermined times.

26. Has both a physical and psychological impact on humans. Color Psychologically, color affects Productivity Fatigue Morale Attitudes Tension

27. In designing a suitable color scheme, consider Color combinations Effect of light on color Reflectance value of color Impact of color Primary/Secondary Colors, p. 87

28. Acceptable Color Coordination Schemes Complimentary Opposite each other on the color chart. Colors on either side of a complementary color. Split Complimentary Three colors equally distant from one another on the color chart. Triad

29. Effect of Light on Color Different types of artificial lighting have different color spectrums. Fluorescent lighting does not enhance reds and oranges. Incandescent lighting does not enhance purple and blue schemes.

30. Reflectance Value of Color Various colors possess different reflectance values. Lighter colors tend to reflect a greater percentage of light than do darker colors.

31. Impact of Color Cool colors create calm and retiring moods. Colors tend to create different moods Warm colors create warm and cheerful moods. Natural tints are mildly stimulating. Deep purple and pale violet can create depressing moods. Gray has a sleep-inducing effect.

32. Is the unit measure of sound and is the smallest change in sound detectable by the human ear. Decibel Maximum decibel in an office should be 90 (50 average).

33. Ways to Control Office Noise Includes controlling airborne and structural sounds. Proper Construction Includes proper use of ceiling, floor, wall, and window-covering materials. Sound-absorbing Materials Includes putting covers on equipment that creates consider- able noise. Sound-absorbing Devices Masking Technique Includes blending office noise that creates considerable noise.

34. Conditioning of the Air Considerations Ideal working temperature is 68 degrees F. Air Temperature Optimum level is 50 percent. Humidity Level Adequate exchange rate is 25 cubic feet of air per minute per person. Circulation of the Air Involves installing air purification systems that remove germs, dust and dirt. Cleanliness of the Air

35. Benefits of Music 1. Helps increase job satisfaction and productivity. 2. Helps reduce boredom and monotony. 3. Helps relieve mental and physical fatigue. 4. Helps reduce nervous tension and strain.

36. Components of an Energy Conservation Program Energy Conservation Committee Energy Efficiency Study Conservation Goals

37. Office Security Dimensions Protection of the organization’s physical property. Protection of the organization’s vital information.