Workplace aesthetics: impact of environments upon employee health as compared to ergonomics.

Associations between self-reported needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements were studied to analyse a possible impact of aesthetic needs on job performance as compared to ergonomic needs in 11 occupational groups. Employees at Swedish broadcasting company were invited to participate in a cross sectional study. 74% (n=1961/2641) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demographic data from company files and a pre-validated questionnaire were used. 'High rank' and 'low rank' aesthetic and ergonomic needs were compared. The perceived needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements showed significantly different distributions (p<0.001). Aesthetic needs were more frequently reported. No gender related differences were observed. Differences between occupational groups were shown (p=0.006, 0.003).'High rank' needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements were similarly associated to psychological demands, stress, pain and age. 16/24 factors showed significant differences between 'high and low rank' aesthetic needs, whereas 21/24 between ergonomic needs. Sick leave was stronger related to ergonomics. The study results show a relation between not only work place ergonomics but also work place aesthetics to health and well-being. Future work health promotion and prevention may benefit from the inclusion of workplace aesthetics.

Workplace aesthetics: Impact of environments upon employee health?

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.

Impact of a web-based stress management and health promotion program on neck-shoulder-back pain in knowledge workers? 12 month prospective controlled follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a web-based stress management program on neck-shoulder-back pain and perceived pain-relatedness to stress in a prospective and controlled study. METHODS: Study points were baseline, after 6 months intervention and at 12 months follow-up on 226 news media employees in two study groups and one control group. RESULTS: Between groups no significant differences were found at any study point. Within groups, the study group with less intensive program improved in pain-relatedness to stress at follow-up. Between baseline and after intervention, the group with more intensive program showed decreased low back pain, and the control group showed less pain-relatedness to stress. Within group differences varied according to pain localization and were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Present web-based stress management program did not influence neck-shoulder-back pain or perceived pain-relatedness to stress in stress-intensive occupations.

Stress biomarkers' associations to pain in the neck, shoulder and back in healthy media workers: 12-month prospective follow-up.

Physiological and psychological mechanisms have been proposed to link stress and musculoskeletal pain (MSP), and a number of stress biomarkers in patients with chronic pain have shown to be associated with stress-related disorders as well as health and recovery. The aim was to study if similar results might be found in a working population, in stress and computer intensive occupations with mild/moderate pain in neck, shoulder and back. The questions were if there are: (1) associations between self rated neck, shoulder and back pain (VAS) on one hand and stress-related (catabolic), recovery related (anabolic) variables, cardiovascular/lifestyle factors and immune markers on the other hand. (2) associations between long term changes in pain and stress marker values (6 month period). (3) predictive values in stress biomarkers for pain (12 month period) A study group with 121 media workers, 67 males (average 45 years) and 53 females (average 43 years), at three news departments of a media company was recruited. Pain occurrence and pain level in neck, shoulder, upper and low back were self-rated at three times with a 6-month interval towards the last month. Stress biomarker sampling was performed, at the same intervals. An additional similar questionnaire with momentary ratings focusing on "at present" i.e. within the same hour as stress biomarker sampling was performed. There were no changes in medicine intake or computer working hours during the 12 month study period. The total pain level and prevalence of pain decreased between baseline and 12 months follow-up. The rate of participation was 95%. Cross-sectional analyses on differences in stress biomarkers in groups of "no pain" and "pain" showed less beneficial stress biomarker levels (P < 0.05) in the "pain" group after age and gender adjustments in: S-DHEA-S and P-endothelin, S-insulin and P-fibrinogen. Analyses of each gender separately, adjusted for age, revealed in males differences in S-insulin, saliva cortisol 3, and P-endothelin. Furthermore, tendencies were seen in BMI, P-fibrinogen, and S-testosterone. In the female "pain" group a less beneficial P-BNP level was found. Longitudinal analysis of changes in pain levels and stress biomarkers within an interval of 6 months showed beneficial changes in the following stress markers: P-NPY, S-albumin, S-growth hormone and S-HDL when pain decreased, and vice versa when pain increased. Linear regression analyses showed statistically significant predicting values at the initial test instance for pain 12 months later in lower S-DHEA-S and S-albumin and higher B-HbA1c and P-fibrinogen. In stepwise regression and after age and gender adjustments, the associations with S-DHEA-S remained statistically significant. The present study shows that individuals in working life with a high level of regenerative/anabolic activity have less pain than other subjects, and that decreased regenerative/anabolic activity is associated with increasing pain. The levels of NPY, albumin, GH and HDL increased when pain decreased and vice versa. Low DHEA-S predicted pain 12 months later. These findings might contribute to increased knowledge about strategies to prevent further progression of neck/shoulder/back pain in persons who are "not yet in chronic pain".