CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE ART AND DESIGN

STUDENT NAME: MUROYIWA TAPIWA

REGESTRATION NUMBER: C23157059V

PROGRAME CODE: BSCAID

COURSE CODE: CUCADM 223
LECTURER: MS GWISAI
QUESTION: Discuss the effect of environmental factors on human
performance in workstations
The modern workplace is a complex ecosystem where various environmental factors
intersect to employee performance. From the physical layout to ambient conditions, every
aspect of the work environment plays a critical role in shaping productivity, comfort, and
overall-being. Research has shown that environmental factors can significantly impact
cognitive function, mood, and physical health, ultimately affecting the job satisfaction and
organisational success. These factors include lighting, temperature, noise levels, air quality
and workstation design.
According to National Institute for Occupational Safety Health (NIOSH). (2021).
Environmental factors are a condition that can impact an individual’s health, comfort, and
productivity while working. These factors may include noise levels, lighting conditions,
temperature, humidity, air quality, ergonomics, and the layout of the work area. Ensuring a
suitable and safe work environment that takes into account these factors is important for
promoting overall well-being and preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. These
factors may include noise levels, lighting conditions, temperature, humidity, air quality,
ergonomics, and the layout of the work area. Ensuring a suitable and safe work environment
that takes into account these factors is important for promoting overall well-being and
preventing work-related injuries and illnesses.
Lighting is one of the environmental factor that can affect the human performance in
workstation. Echeverria, D., Barnes, V., Bittner, A. et al. (1994). Demonstrated the effects of
lighting in various workstation. Human being tend to like different light intensity this
depends on individual perception. Aries, M. (2004). Stated the healthy demands of light by
human at workstation. The author argues that a workstation should have proper lighting
system to accommodate all people an ensure visibility of things for instance in a super market
insure that lights are on all the time and they are not too bright so that the employee’s eyes
are damaged by lights. A good example is TM pick & pay their lighting is at low deem
insuring that their employees are safe creating a comfortable environment for the workers.
Environment with proper lighting facility increase productivity since they will no distraction.
The visibility of workstation is very crucial as it reduces injuries at work, especially in the
mining and other manufacturing companies. Thus, light and visibility is crucial in human
performance in workstation because the speed and productivity of the work depends on it.
Furthermore, temperature is another environmental factor that can affect the performance of
human in workstation. Makwana, N., Keshwani, D., & Mishra, S. (2015). Stated that
temperature plays a crucial role in influencing human performance in a workstation
environment. Research has shown that both extreme cold and heat can have negative effects
on cognitive function, physical performance, and overall productivity.

In cold environments, the body expends energy to maintain its core temperature, leading to
decreased cognitive function and slower reaction times. For example, a study published in the
journal Ergonomics found that individuals working in cold temperatures showed a decline in
cognitive performance, including decreased concentration and problem-solving abilities. This
can have serious implications for tasks that require attention to detail and quick decision-
making, such as data analysis or complex problem-solving.

On the other hand, working in excessively hot conditions can also impair performance. High
temperatures can lead to heat stress, which can cause fatigue, dehydration, and decreased
physical and cognitive abilities. Heat stress can be particularly detrimental for tasks that
require physical exertion, such as manual labor or operating heavy machinery. Additionally,
research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that
heat stress can significantly reduce productivity in tasks that involve concentration and
memory retention.

Furthermore, the impact of temperature on human performance is not just limited to extreme
conditions. Studies have shown that even small fluctuations in temperature within a
comfortable range can affect productivity. For example, a study conducted at Cornell
University found that employees working in an office with temperatures below 68 degrees
Fahrenheit made significantly more typing errors and saw a decrease in overall productivity
compared to those working in a warmer environment. In order to optimize performance in a
workstation environment, it is important to maintain a comfortable temperature range that
promotes both physical and cognitive well-being. That’s why most workstation in these days
have built well ventilated, installed air conditioners, installation of fans within the
workstation in order to make sure that the temperature conditions within the workstation are
normal to improve the productivity of the work. Hence temperature is another effect of
human performance at workstation
More so, noise levels also affect the performance in workstation Exposure to high levels of
noise in a workstation environment can have detrimental effects on human performance.
Research has shown that noise can negatively impact cognitive function, productivity, and
overall well-being among workers. High levels of noise can lead to incrdecrea
concentration, and reduced ability to focus on tasks.
annoyance curve. This figure shows the relationship between level of unfamiliar noise
and the percentage of workers likely to be annoyed by the noise. This relationship is
presented conservatively. It is likely that as many as100% of workers will be annoyed at
85Db(A) (adapted from schultz.1978)
A study by Evans and Johnson (2000) found that exposure to noise in the workplace can
impair cognitive performance, particularly tasks that require attention, memory, and problem-
solving skills. Constant background noise or sudden loud sounds can disrupt concentration
and increase the likelihood of making errors on tasks that demand precision and accuracy.
For instance, working on a construction company that uses very noise machines are likely to
make mistakes, stress and this can lead to absenteeism
Furthermore, noise in the workplace has been linked to increased levels of stress and fatigue
among employees. The constant exposure to noise can trigger the body's stress response,
leading to elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline. This can result in decreased job
satisfaction, higher levels of anxiety, and reduced overall well-being among workers. In
addition to its effects on cognitive function and stress levels, noise can also interfere with
communication and collaboration in the workplace. High levels of noise can make it difficult
for employees to effectively communicate with each other, leading to misunderstandings,
reduced teamwork, and lower productivity. Thus, noise level can affect the human
performance in workstation

To mitigate the negative impact of noise on human performance in a workstation

environment, employers can implement noise control measures such as sound-absorbing
materials, noise-reducing partitions, and designated quiet areas for focused work. Providing
employees with noise-cancelling headphones or white noise machines can also help reduce
the impact of external noise on cognitive function and productivity.
Apart from this, ergonomics and workstation layout also play a pivotal role. Ergonomics and
the layout of the workstation have a significant impact on human performance in the
workplace. Ergonomics, the study of how to design workspaces to optimize human well-
being and overall system performance, plays a crucial role in ensuring worker comfort,
safety, and productivity. The layout of the workstation, including the arrangement of
equipment and tools, also influences employee performance by affecting workflow efficiency
and physical comfort. A good example of ergonomics and layout of work station is a till. A
till is designed in a such a way that the things that the till operator use most oftenly are placed
near for easy access. The chair of the till operator is also ergonomically designed to prevent
musculoskeletal disorders

One key aspect of ergonomics that influences human performance is the design of ergonomic
furniture, such as adjustable chairs and desks. Research by Hedge, Erickson, and Dickie
(2004) found that providing call centre workers with ergonomic chairs reduced discomfort
and musculoskeletal issues, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction. Ergonomic
chairs that support proper posture and reduce strain on the body can help employees work
more comfortably for longer periods.

Furthermore, the layout of the workstation can impact human performance by affecting
workflow efficiency and reducing physical strain. For example, a well-organized workstation
that places frequently used tools and equipment within easy reach can minimize unnecessary
movements and interruptions, leading to increased productivity. Dainoff (2004) highlighted
the importance of optimizing workstation layout to enhance efficiency and safety in the
workplace, emphasizing the impact of a well-designed workstation on overall job
performance.

In addition to furniture and layout, lighting ergonomics also play a crucial role in human
performance in the workstation. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain, headaches, and fatigue,
ultimately improving mood and productivity. Li, Liu, and Liu (2019) demonstrated that
adjusting lighting in the workspace to minimize glare and shadows can have a positive impact
on workplace performance, as employees are more alert and focused in a well-lit
environment.
Hence, ergonomics and the layout of the workstation are important factors that influence
human performance in the workplace. By designing workspaces that prioritize employee
comfort, safety, and efficiency, organizations can create a conducive environment for optimal
performance. Implementing ergonomic furniture, optimizing workstation layout, and
ensuring proper lighting can enhance employee well-being and productivity, ultimately
leading to a more successful and effective workforce
In conclusion, the impact of environmental factors on human performance in the workstation
is a significant and complex issue that requires careful consideration and management. As
discussed in this article, several key environmental factors, including temperature, lighting,
noise, air quality, and ergonomics, play a crucial role in shaping the efficiency, comfort, and
well-being of individuals in the workplace.
References

Aries, M. (2004). Human Lighting Demands Healthy Lighting in an Office Environment.

Dainoff, M. (2004). Workplace layout's impact on efficiency and safety. Journal of
Occupational Health and Safety, 20(4), 37-42.
Echeverria, D., Barnes, V., Bittner, A., Durbin, N., Fawcett-Long, J., Moore, C., Slavich, A.,
Draper, D., Morisseau, P. D., Persensky, J., & Nrc, /. (1994). NUREG/CR-5680, Vol. 1, “The
Impact of Environmental Conditions on Human Performance - A Handbook of
Environmental Exposures.”
Funminiyi, A. K. (2018). Impact of Workplace Environmental Factors on Employee
Commitment: Evidence from North East Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific
Research and Management (IJSRM), 6(07). https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v6i7.em08
Kalubowila, O. (n.d.). Impact of Workplace Environmental Factors on Employee
Performance.
Li, X., Liu, Z., & Liu, Y. (2019). Effects of lighting ergonomics on workplace performance.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 71, 102-110.
Makwana, N., Keshwani, D., & Mishra, S. (2015). The influence of thermal environment on
human performance: a review. International Journal of Research in Engineering and
Technology, 4(12), 260-267. Hedge, A., Erickson, W., & Dickie, S. (2004). The effects of an
ergonomic chair on discomfort in call center workers. Applied Ergonomics, 35(2), 113-118.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2021). Workplace environmental
factors and employee health (pp. 1