In the 1970s, ASHRAE supported a series of studies on the effects of climate control on productivity in a variety of settings. The results suggest little relation between improved comfort and increased productivity. Studies of productivity within a military setting indicate that, while there are physical, physiological, and psychological demands that are tolerance time limiting, or that will reliably decrease performance, both these ranges are well outside the thermal comfort zone. Performance decrements under less obviously uncomfortable conditions appear to be inconsistent, difficult to document, and as apt to result from employee dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and inadequate leadership as from lack of capacity to perform. Losses in productivity under such conditions arise from absenteeism, which can take a variety of forms. Argues that factors causing productivity losses are more reliably derived from a review of recommended rest allowances than from de novo research on a group as variable as the human work force. Concludes there seems to be little reason for ASHRAE to support additional research to attempt to establish a firm link between the indoor environment and productivity. In the event that ASHRAE should support such studies, provides guidelines in a table which may prove useful.
KEYWORDS: productivity, absenteeism, USA, health, personnel, history, psychology, physiology, research, air quality, indoor
Citation: Symposium, ASHRAE Trans. 1994, Vol.100, Part 2
Product Details
- Published:
- 1994
- File Size:
- 1 file , 1.1 MB
- Product Code(s):
- D-17581
