Physical Characteristics of the Work Environment Affect Attitudes

While many of us know that our coworkers and supervisors can have a strong influence on how we feel about the work we do, there are other elements of the workplace that might be overlooked. Believe it or not, even the smallest of physical elements can have a big impact on productivity, turnover and how satisfied workers are while on the job.

Physical characteristics of the work environment that can have an impact include, the temperature of the work environment, the quality of light (how light or dark the work stations are and what sort of lighting), how close together people have to work and how many people are in a work area, the noise level, the air quality, and the space in terms of windows, walls, furniture etc. These are just a few physical characteristics to consider in a work environment but they can be very influential in the work that is done.

While there has been media focus in the past few years on major work environment things like air born illness and toxins in the workplace-AND these are important, there are other details that affect how happy and productive workers are as well. Overly crowded work environments can influence how satisfied and efficient workers are. If workers cannot hear telephone conversations because of the noise level, or are expected to do complicated work with a lot of noise and human distractions, they may not only perform poorly, but they may also have poor attitudes about the work environment and the employer.

Instead of trying to cram as many bodies as possible into a work environment, creating pleasant and workable areas with enough space for individuals to work comfortably may actually improve productivity. Paying attention to things like lighting, privacy, and simple density of humans in an area can have a big impact on overall attitudes and work output.

Furniture that is comfortable and equipment that works are also key to employee's attitudes. Employees who have appropriate work space and the correct, updated and well-working equipment needed to get the job done will have a much more positive attitude about work than those who are dealing with frustrating and broken equipment and furniture.

The physical environment of the workplace is important. While it doesn't have to be luxurious or expensive, paying attention to the realities of the physical environment can improve moral and employee productivity.