Open-plan offices linked to poorer indoor climate and health issues
Open-plan offices linked to poor indoor climate and health issues like headaches and respiratory symptoms.
Why it matters
- Open-plan offices are common, and understanding their impact on health is crucial.
- Poor indoor climate can lead to health issues, affecting productivity and well-being.
By the numbers
- Employees in open-plan and shared offices reported poorer indoor climate.
- Flexible offices and those shared by more than 24 people had the worst conditions.
The big picture
- Employers might save on costs but could face higher expenses due to reduced productivity and employee dissatisfaction.
- Good indoor climate in shared workspaces is vital for health and well-being.
What they're saying
- Comments reflect common knowledge that open offices sacrifice health for cost savings.
- Personal anecdotes support the study’s findings on health issues.
- Criticism of the trend towards open offices without solid evidence of benefits.
Caveats
- The study did not investigate the spread of infectious diseases.
- The study is based on self-reported data, which might have biases.
What’s next
- Measures like proper air circulation and individual control over the environment are suggested.
- Future studies could explore the impact of ventilation on the spread of infectious diseases.