Mc ewan thesis book individual pages

Holistic Health Factors in the
Workplace
Biophilia, Ergonomics and Exercise

Image on cover & facing page derived from: Steelcase. (n.d.). The movement toward wellness in the workplace. Retrieved April 20, 2011,
from www.steelcase.com/ergonomics

Holistic Health Factors in the
Workplace

April P. McEwan

Holistic Health Factors in the Workplace

by
April P. McEwan

All content has been derived from the original
Thesis presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Master of Science in Design

Approved April 2011 by the
Graduate Supervisory Committee:

Philip White, Chair
Rebecca Barry
James Shraiky

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
May 2011

Holistic Health Factors in the Workplace: Biophilia, Ergonomics and Exercise

Abstract

In an attempt to advocate body- with qualitative and flexible research average miles walked by participants
conscious design and healing work approaches using observation, survey, in each workplace as well as existing
environments, this research study interview and pedometer readings as incentives and descriptions of ideal work
of holistic health in the workplace methods for data collection. Two small environments.
explores cognitive, social and physical corporate franchise financial institutions
Implications of this research study involve
well-being in four small US offices that and two small private healthcare
interior design, industrial design and
are between 1000 and 4000 square providers from both Arizona and Georgia
fashion design that can accommodate
feet and employ three to twelve participated in this study. Each office
the desires of the four participating
employees. Holistic health, as pursued volunteered one employer and two
workplaces. Major design implications
in this research, includes social health, employee participants.
involve accommodating these particular
emotional health and physical health.
Of the holistic health factors considered workplaces to provide personnel with
These three factors of holistic health
in these four case studies, this study opportunities for holistic health in working
have been identified and investigated
found that a majority of participants environments. More specific implications
in this study: biophilia: peoples’ love and
equally valued emotional health, social of office related design involve providing
affiliation with other species and the
health and physical health. A majority access to natural environments, body-
natural environment; ergonomics: the
of participants declared a preference conscious equipment and spaces, as
relationship between the human body,
for workplace environments with serene well as opportunities for exercise and
movement, the immediate environment
natural environments with outdoor social interaction. These elements
and productivity; and exercise: exertion
spaces and interaction with other of the factors biophilia, ergonomics
of the body to obtain physical fitness.
species, work environments with body- and exercise were found to be said
This research study proposes that
conscious furniture, equipment and to contribute to cognitive, social and
employees and employers of these four
workstations, as well as exercise space physical health.
participating workplaces desire mobility
and equipment. As these particular
and resources in the workplace that
workplace environments affirmed value
support holistic health practices involving
for elements of the factors biophilia,
biophilia, ergonomics, and exercise.
ergonomics and exercise, all three
Literature review of holistic health and
factors are considered valueable within
the holistic health factors of this research
the workplaces of these case studies.
topic support the idea that interaction
Furthermore, factors that were said to
with other species can be healing,
contribute to personal productivity in
ergonomic body-conscious furniture and
participating workplaces were found
equipment increase productivity, limit
as well as sacrifices that participants
body aches, pains and health costs; and
stated they would be willing to make
exercise stimulates the mind and body,
in order to implement their preferred
increasing productivity.
work environment(s). In addition,
This study has been conducted primarily this study recorded and calculated

iii

Contents

Chapter Page

Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2

Problem Statement .................................................................................................................. 4

Assumption ................................................................................................................................ 6

Significance ............................................................................................................................... 7

Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Review of Literature .................................................................................................................. 12

Holistic Health ............................................................................................................... 14

Biophilia ......................................................................................................................... 19

Ergonomics ................................................................................................................... 22

The Chair ....................................................................................................................... 24

Exercise ......................................................................................................................... 26

Environmental Psychology ......................................................................................... 29

Health and Healing Environments ............................................................................. 30

Findings and Opportunities ...................................................................................................... 32

Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 34

Primary Research Findings ....................................................................................................... 37

Discussion and Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 40

References ................................................................................................................................ 49

Figures

Figure Page

Word cloud of words used to describe Galen Cranz’s ideal workspace .......................... 2

“Something, somewhere went terribly wrong” .................................................................... 4

Steelcase image from Movement Toward Health in the Workplace booklet .................. 5

Steelcase image from Movement Toward Health in the Workplace booklet .................. 6

Elderly man and dog in park photo by April P. McEwan .................................................... 7

Conceptual framework ........................................................................................................... 9

Elements of factors of conceptual framework ..................................................................... 10

Word cloud describing emotional health ............................................................................. 13

Word cloud describing social health ..................................................................................... 15

Steelcase social health image ............................................................................................... 16

Word cloud describing physical health ................................................................................. 17

Photo of Bougainvillea by April P. McEwan .......................................................................... 20

Photo of tree spirit on Saint Simons Island by April P. McEwan ........................................... 21

Varier® Gravity chair designed by Peter Opsvik .................................................................. 24

Le Corbusier’s lounge chair ..................................................................................................... 24

Varier® Variable ™ Balans ®, designed by Peter Opsvik .................................................... 24

Steelcase physical health image ........................................................................................... 26

Steelcase Walkstation by Details ............................................................................................ 27

Rainbow rainforest hoto by April P. McEwan ........................................................................ 30

Portland photo by April P. McEwan ....................................................................................... 32

v

Figures

Figure Page

Research Methodology mind map ........................................................................................ 34

Word cloud of ideal work environment descriptions ........................................................... 39

Categories of ideal work environment descriptions diagram ............................................ 43

Introduction

Word cloud of words used
to describe Galen Cranz’s
ideal workspace in
“Beyond Interior Design”
of The Chair (Cranz,
1998)


Introduction

“The rhythm of life is when you experience your own body, mind and soul.”

(Yogi tea bag, 2011)

This study can be introduced with system. What you see before you is before you decide to move it to your
a few of the words that instilled passion a spacious office, with natural light workstation. As you survey the room, you
for this research from a few pages of streaming in through the windows on experience a sense of being invited to
The Chair: Rethinking Culture, Body, three sides. Since there is no off-gassing work here because so many different
and Design by Galen Cranz (1998). from walls, carpet, or furniture, and work spaces have been designed to
Through her study of the chair, Cranz because the windows are operable, a accommodate different activities. When
discovered that research suggests fresh smell pervades the place. In order you want to do some word processing,
chair use deforms the body, which will to minimize the difference between the you can recline in a lounge chair with
be discussed further in the literature temperature indoors and out, the office the keyboard on your lap and the screen
review section about ergonomics. She temperature will be 68 degrees in the mounted at an angle, like a hospital-
describes her ideal work environment in winter and 75 degrees in the summer” room television set on an expandable
the chapter “Beyond Interior Design”. (p. 218). arm. You could also choose to dictate to
Her ideal workspace does not just alter your computer standing or perched on a
Cranz’s ideal workspace takes
working positions; it caters to the overall high stool. When standing, a chest-high
ergonomics and body movement into
well-being of users through design that surface within arm’s reach allows you to
consideration with a variety of options
addresses emotional, social and physical take notes without bending your spine.
for body postures. Furniture, equipment
aspects of health. Environmental All your associates in the office wear soft
and space accommodate various
influences such as music, windows, fresh clothes in the natural fibers of silk, cotton,
body positions, movement and support
smells, moderate temperatures and the and wool, so they do not bind or restrict
productivity. Besides interior design,
physical environment manipulate people if the person wants to sit cross-legged on
fashion design is even considered with
emotionally and physically (Sternberg, the padded platforms while discussing
suggestions for comfortable flexible
2009). Furniture arrangements and business. These yielding clothes also
clothing. Such clothing does not restrict
spaces can either inhibit or encourage enable anyone who has a kink in the
the body from movement if one wants
social interaction amongst office back to lengthen his or her spine by
to stretch out comfortably or participate
personnel. stretching out on the platforms for a few
in mild exercises. “You have a lot of
minutes” (p. 219-220).
In Cranz’s ideal office space she postural options for working in this office.
considers features that appeal to the You can stand to lay out research data, Ergonomic furniture and exercise
body’s senses—hearing, sight, smell and articles, or slides. You can stand or squat equipment are considered for multiple
temperature—with music, windows, fresh in front of files to use them. Floor-to- working positions, play and mild exercise.
smells and moderate temperatures. ceiling bookshelves allow you to stretch Such furniture and equipment would
“When you open the door, a Mozart up or squat down. You can prop books accommodate those who want to take
violin concerto comes over the sound open on an eye-level-slanted shelf quick breaks, stretch and tone their

2

Introduction

bodies, or energize themselves at work. natural environment and other species After reading Cranz’s enlightening
“If you were a newcomer, the thing in (Kellert, et al., 1993). Outdoor space and innovative thoughts on her ideal
the office that might make you most in workplaces can also be used by workspace, I cannot help but desire
curious is related to exercise: a large personnel for breaking and exercise. the same type of work environment for
inflated ball over which staff members “You notice a set of French doors that myself and others.
occasionally draped themselves to lead onto a wooden deck or balcony,
promote flexibility of the spine. Some vine-covered. Down the steps is a pool
sit on it in lieu of a stool. It also keeps or fountain. Sometimes people assume
children entertained when they visit. You the rest position on the deck or exercise
might be equally intrigued by a cluster or eat or talk on the phone. Inside
of three rings of Opsvik pedestals that and outside are not that different—a
support a variety of standing postures. Modernist’s dream” (p. 220).
An overhead bar for hanging and an
“But this vision need not remain a
inverter offer other opportunities to
dream. Running throughout this study of
stretch your spine” (p. 220).
the chair has been a call to action. First,
Access to the natural outdoors and honor your body; learn how to attend
natural elements such as balconies to it, and educate it to communicate
or water features support peoples’ with our culture. From this, develop
innate desire to be affiliated with the your own ideal environments (p. 221).


Problem Statement

“Probably the single most important principle of body-conscious design is to use design to keep
posture varied and the body moving.”

(Cranz, 1998, p. 185)

In our Information Age, affluent or hand-written messages, people send widespread computer technology, it
people all over the world adapt to emails or make phone calls. Telephones seems some people have forgotten
computer technology. Computers are mini-computers; they are even their bodies. People cram information
are ubiquitous, in our pockets, purses, replacing desktops and laptops. With into their brains, an important and
offices, homes, schools, cars. People use new stresses and cultural changes due complicated organ; but many people
computers as encyclopedias, replacing to demands of computer technology, neglect their muscles in today’s age of
books with computer monitors, key our workplaces evolve. People should Information Technology. With information
boards, mice, and hard drives. Not only not have to adapt to technology, and computer-technology demands
do computers replace books, but they technology should adapt to and for in the workplace, employees and
have also taken the place of physical people. employers spend more time sitting at
activity—and human communication. computers, reading display screens,
With rapid implementation of
Rather than physically delivering verbal going digital, taking work with them on

“Something, somewhere
went terribly wrong” image
by an unknown artist (Neato
Shop, 2011)
4

Problem Statement
Introduction

taking work with them on mobile (Clements-Croome, 2006). more positive, energized, motivated
devices. Such demands can be stressful and more productive. This is analogous
Many people accept what space,
and harmful for the body and mind; to the argument for evidence-based
environment, furniture and equipment
however, relief can be found. Such design practices for health and healing
they are given to work with without
things as: freedom to move between environments; patients heal faster and
question. “It is what I am used to,” “It is
one social phase and another (from hospitals have higher turnover rates
what I have always done,” are common
solitary work to group interaction), music, when hospital design caters to patient
responses of people asked about why
opportunities to engage in spontaneous desires and experience. Workplaces
they do what they do. Why must we
social encounters, opportunity to should perhaps design according to and
accommodate ourselves to poorly
engage in creativity, self-expression cater to worker desires and experiences.
configured furniture, uncomfortable
and exploration, appealing visual Cranz and I believe this is what most
working positions and environments?
environments, exercise, space for body many work environments need. After all,
I hope to improve these conditions. If
movements such as exercise stretching most working people spend the majority
people had opportunities to question,
and a variety of working positions, of their days at work.
opportunities to request healthier
furniture and equipment, personal
choices, body—conscious and mind-
accessories, plant life and association
conscious work environments designed
with other species, access to outdoor
for movement, multiple working positions
environments, and sensory variability
and worker preferences, perhaps
can provide relief from everyday
people would be happier, healthier,
stresses and demands in the workplace

Steelcase image from Movement
Toward Health in the Workplace
booklet


Assumption

There is a disconnect between humans and our immediate environments

(Gallagher, 1993).

This research study proposes the Patil, 2009; Levine, 2009; Sternberg, pertain to emotional, social and physical
assumption that employees and 2009; Oseland, 2009; Congleton, 2010; well-being: biophilia, ergonomics,
employers desire mobility and resources International Ergonomics Association, and exercise. This thesis suggests that
in the workplace that support holistic 2010; Higgs & Pynt, 2010). Perhaps biophilia, ergonomics, and exercise are
health practices involving biophilia, employees and employers will feel factors that contribute to holistic health
ergonomics and exercise. These factors healthier emotionally, socially and in the workplace.
have been found to be contributors to physically in environments with access
well-being and productivity (Gallagher, to natural environments, the outdoors,
1993; Tesitel, et al., 1993; Nelson, 1993; and spaces that take ergonomics and
Waikar & Bradshaw, 1995; Cranz, 1998; exercise into consideration. Holistic
McDonough & Braungart, 2002; Diener, health factors considered for purposes
King & Lyubomirsky, 2005; Grinde & of this research study are factors that

Steelcase image from Movement
Toward Health in the Workplace
booklet

6

Significance

If we do not provide comfortable environments that fulfill base human needs (emotional, social
and physical health) then the building occupants are unlikely to be at their most productive

(Oseland,1995, p.246).

Studies of biophilia, ergonomics productivity and limit body aches and currently involved in implementing and
and exercise have been conducted; pains and health costs, and exercise enforcing holistic health practices into
however, studies of such specific health stimulates the mind and body, increasing the workplace (Congleton, 2010). For
factors implemented and incentivized in productivity. example, as found on their website,
small US workplaces as well as employer PepsiCo began implementing global
This research uncovered workplaces in
and employee values and personal workplace wellness programs to
North America that offer such amenities
opinions associated with such factors promote health and wellness for their
and related incentives. Pixar, IBM,
have not been explored in depth. associates in 2004, called HealthRoads™,
PepsiCo, Chase, Johnson and Johnson,
Research on biophilia supports the idea a part of their Sustainability Vision. This
Glaxo-Smithkline, Wheeler Interests, IBM,
that interaction with other species can program helps participating associates
Coors Brewing Co., and Walt Disney Co.
be healing, ergonomic body-conscious of PepsiCo make informed decisions
are a few of the larger US companies
furniture and equipment increase regarding healthcare as well as develop

Introduction Holistic Health Factors in the Workplace: Biophilia, Ergonomics and Exercise

and sustain healthy behaviors with In growing popular efforts to increase (2) The use of effective worksite policies
motivational incentives. Such behavioral worker health, productivity and and programs can reduce health risks
changes involving HealthRoads™ happiness, it makes sense to incorporate and improve the quality of life for the 135
primary focuses on diet, exercise and incentives and programs supporting million full-time and part-time workers in
nutrition reduce health risks. Participants holistic health into work environments. the United States.
are encouraged to seek preventative At the 2010 National Ergonomics
(3) Workers spend more than one-third
care and work one-on-one with wellness Conference, Jerome, J. Congleton, PhD,
of their day on the job and, as a result,
coaches to manage existing health spoke of the Healthy Workforce Act of
employers are in a unique position to
conditions. Tracking their wellness 2009. Although “A resolution affirming
promote the health and safety of their
efforts, PepsiCo found that their wellness the importance of exercise and physical
employees.
initiatives have slowed the rate of activity as key components of a healthy
increased medical costs; for every dollar lifestyle, including in combating obesity, (4) Chronic diseases such as heart
spent on workplace wellness during reducing chronic disease, and lowering disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, and
2007, they saved approximately $3.45 health care costs” was introduced and diabetes are among the most prevalent
on healthcare, reducing healthcare passed by Senate Mary 9, 2011, the and costly worker health problems for
costs for PepsiCo and associates. In Healthy Workforce Act of 2009 did not most employers.
2009, PepsiCo’s HealthRoads™ program become law after being introduced
received external recognition with a in April of 2009 (GovTrack). It is a bill to (5) The use by employers of effective
Platinum award for Best Employers for amend the Internal Revenue Code of worksite policies and programs can
Healthy Lifestyles. Many workplaces 1986 to provide tax credit to employees reduce health risks and improve the
implementing and enforcing holistic for the costs of implementing wellness quality of life for their employees.
health practices are larger companies, programs offering health promotion and
(6) The good health of workers is good
while many smaller companies preventative care (GovTrack.). It was
for business because healthier workers
are unaware or lack the means to proposed that a fifty percent tax credit
miss less work, are more productive, and
implement such practices in their work for the costs of providing employees
have lower health care costs.
environments. As literature review will with a qualified wellness program
show, many researchers argue that such would be granted to employers. A Congress said it. People spend much of
amenities and opportunities contribute “qualified wellness program” is defined their lives at work, therefore; it is smart to
to well-being as well as productive as a program certified by the Secretary begin and influence the implementations
performance and overall success and of Health and Human Services and of healthy practices and lifestyles in
happiness for employees, employers and consists of a health awareness and workplaces. This research employs a
companies involved. Medical doctors, education component, a behavioral subjective approach to draw attention
designers, neuroscientists, even t-shirts change component, and a supportive to the workspace desires of employees
and tea bags support arguments for environment component. In the Healthy and employers. Many people adapt to
holistic health in the workplace. Workforce Act of 2009, Congress stated their work conditions and environments
its findings about the US workforce (Open rather than question existing policies
The US Department of Labor,
Congress, 2011): and conditions about their and others’
Employment Standards Administration
personal well-being.
promotes labor rights and employment (1) The US has more than 12 million
standards with the objective of employers and approximately 135 million
fostering economic and social equity working adults.
for personnel health and well-being.

8

Scope

“Past research has identified many factors, such as demographic, task-related, workstation-related,
ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, associated with health complaints of employees engaged
in sedentary work.”

(Waikar & Bradshaw, 1995, p.18)

In an attempt to advocate body- thesis study involve detailed elements of collected using a subjective measure
conscious design, health and healing each factor—biophilia, ergonomics, and of self report by participants through
work environments, this research study exercise. surveys and interviews. Observations
of holistic health in the workplace identified existing elements linked to
Health, happiness, productivity,
explores emotional, social and physical the specific health factors, biophilia,
motivation, and work performance
well-being in small work environments ergonomics, and exercise, such as
of participants and offices were not
through investigation of existing, lack of windows, plants, participant behaviors
measured with external measurements
and desires for holistic health factors in and workstations that existed or were
in this research study. Only miles
four small North American offices that taking place in participating workplaces.
walked were measured externally with
are between 1000 and 4000 square feet Comparison of participant opinions in
pedometers. Measurements of holistic
and employ three to twelve employees. surveys and interviews to observations
health factors in the workplace were
Specific areas of concentration for this and pedometer readings enhanced

Primary areas of concentration for
thesis study: conceptual framework
exploring relationships of the
factors: biophilia, ergonomics and
exercise, and how they contribute
to holistic health within the
workplace


identification of holistic health factors elements of biophilia, ergonomics and
and elements of such factors, providing exercise are actually human needs.
transparency of inconsistencies within Although biophilia, ergonomics and
collected data. exercise constitute the basic human
needs of emotional health, social health
Furthermore, it is important to note that
and physical health; and they can be
participants’ desires were recorded, not
categorized into Abraham Maslow’s
necessarily needs. To be clear, a goal
Hierarchy of Needs (1943), such as sense
of this research study was to acquire
of belonging and self-actualization,
personal opinions regarding participants’
this research study does not claim such
desires for elements of the primary
desires as needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of
health factors: biophilia, ergonomics
Needs is discussed further in literature
and exercise, in their workplaces through
review). Further rigorous research
subjective measures of self report.
can determine whether elements of
Surveys and interviews were primarily
the holistic health factors, biophilia,
analyzed to determine participants’
ergonomics and exercise, are deemed
desires in relation to the health factors of
as human needs.
this research study. Some environmental
psychologists, biologists and other
researchers may claim these desires of

Elements of holistic health
factors: biophilia, ergonomics
and exercise

10

Review of Literature

Introduction

Numerous literature on topics of Television shows like Rupert Bear relieve stress and have positive effects
health, holistic health, emotional health, send positive messages to children, such on physical and psychological health.
social health, psychological health as when Rupert was outside enjoying Grinde and Patil (2009) share findings
and ergonomics exist. This literature a picnic with his Professor; his Professor of Richard Louv who uses the term
review attempts to share an assortment said: “Fresh air, sunshine and exercise… “nature-deficit” and suggests that “the
of information of topics related to this ahh…there’s nothing like it!” (Rupert increase in prevalences of conditions
research study’s focus, holistic health in Bear, 1920). Documentaries explicating such as obesity, attention disorders, and
workplaces. Holistic health encompasses poor health practices, such as Super depression is partly due to a decrease
a person’s overall health. When a Size me, Food Inc, and The Corporation, in the degree children are exposed
person’s overall health is considered, any and TV shows like The Biggest Loser, to Nature” (p. 2338). Dr. Brown (2009)
factors which contribute to a person’s are quite popular today. People are argues that play is beneficial in our lives,
well-being are taken into account. expressing concerns for their well-being. “actually making us more productive
All aspects of people’s needs can be Positive changes in the home and office and happier in everything we do” (p. 7).
organized into cognitive, social and in support of health and well-being Dr. Brown talks not just about children at
physical needs; these needs contribute are occurring slowly. Some high school play, he talks about everyone. Adults are
to the whole of a person. Although physical fitness education programs grown children. We all need play time,
alternative medicine also considers are being enforced with more rigor motivation, and stimulation. Classrooms
spiritual aspects when assessing a and seriousness as the US experiences and workplaces need to accommodate
person’s overall well-being, this research an obesity epidemic. As a child, my play time, social activities and provide
study does not attempt to include teachers repeatedly told students to stimulating work environments. “[W]
spiritual health in the factors of holistic be quiet, stop fidgeting and remain hile we readily accept that a healthy
health. Holistic health factors considered sedentary in the classroom so as to focus seed can’t grow into a plant without
for purposes of this research study are on our studies; but as Gallagher points right soil, light, and water, and that a
factors that pertain to emotional, social out, “America’s obesity epidemic offers feral dog wont behave like a pet, we
and physical well-being: biophilia, stunning illustrations of what can happen resist recognizing the importance of
ergonomics, and exercise. Literature when motivation and attention become environment in our own lives” (Gallagher,
review is organized into subchapters disconnected from daily behavior in 1993, p. 16). For the older and employed,
addressing: small sedentary workplaces, general and each other in particular” no longer in a classroom setting, Dr.
sedentary work, holistic health, biophilia, (Gallagher, 2009, p. 174). More Brown describes a popular problem,
ergonomics, the chair, body and mind, interaction, team work, and play time “We strive to always be productive,
exercise, environmental psychology, would enhance motivation, stimulating and if an activity doesn’t teach us skill,
health and healing environments. students to find interest in their studies. make us money, or get on the boss’s
Studies also suggest that nature can good side, then we feel we should


not be doing it. Sometimes the sheer students who took PE before math
demands of daily living seem to rob us reported dramatic improvement in their
of the ability to play” (Brown, 2009, p. standardized tests” (Iskander, 2011).
7). As ergonomic research studies show,
As research and literature report,
workplaces that demand a high level of
emotional health, social health and
sedentary work and deprive workers of
physical health are important factors in
healthy opportunities for interaction and
being fulfilled and healthy human beings.
play, harm employees and employers.
Together, emotional health, social health
Quality of life, blood flow, respiration,
and physical health constitute health
collaboration, injuries, and overall health
on a larger scale, holistic health. Factors
can all be enhanced and improved
of holistic health, then, are biophilia,
when ergonomics are considered in
ergonomics, and exercise, which are
workplace development, design and
believed to contribute to well-being and
processes (Congleton, December 2,
productivity in the workplace. Observing
2010, ErgoExpo presentation). Waikar, et
and recognizing employees’ and
al (1995) identified factors, such as task-
employers’ perceptions of holistic health
related, workstation-related, ergonomic,
and workplace design have implications
and psychosocial factors, associated
for a healthier workforce and healthier
with health complaints of employees
working environments, productivity
engaged in sedentary work. Such
gains and happier personnel. Winifred
health complaints often lead to work
Gallagher (2009) claims, “Staying
lost to sick days, ergonomic assessments
focused is an excellent strategy for well-
and medical appointments. Medical
being,” and “the skillful management
and insurance costs for employees
of attention is the first step toward any
and companies rise and workers’
behavioral change and covers most
compensation costs increase. Similarly,
self-improvement approaches like a vast
Yerkes-Dodson Law (1908) states people
umbrella” (p. 10). Focusing on health
perform better if they are stimulated or
in workplaces of the more affluent
motivated (Oseland, 2009, p. 245). A
consumer capitalist economies of the
Chicago high school, Naperville Central
more prosperous populations of the
High School, experiencing the culture
planet can be a proactive effort to
of fitness has embraced a daily graded
enforce some basics of sustainable living
physical education program. One group
by improving quality of life and working
of struggling students at this high school
conditions, providing jobs, conserving
have been involved in an innovative
natural resources, enhancing economic
program which schedules PE right before
growth and managing risk.
their most challenging classes. “In the
six years since that program started,
students who signed up for PE directly
before English read on average a half
year ahead of those who didn’t, and

12

Review of Literature: Holistic Health

Word cloud of words
participants used to describe
emotional health


Holistic Health

For purposes of this study, the connections. And the emotions they relationships and overall health (Diener,
factors: biophilia, ergonomics and evoke are among the greatest forces King & Lyubomirsky, 2005). Happiness,
exercise, have been linked to emotional that affect our hormonal, our nerve an expression of healthy emotions, is
health, social health and physical health, chemical, and our immune responses— factor contributing to productivity in the
which constitute holistic health. Holistic and through these, our health and our workplace according to research of
health equally encompasses emotional resistance to disease” (Sternberg, 2001, Diener, King & Lyubomirsky. Researchers
health, social health and physical health. p. 133). Essentially, emotions that are have often believed that mere financial
In Dr. Sternberg’s explanations of human rooted in social relationships or mental success made people happy, but recent
connections, she connects relationships capacities can affect the health of research that examined the connections
with spirituality, emotions, and physical the physical body. The body cannot between desirable personality
well-being: “Our sense that powerful be improved or worsened without also characteristics, life successes and well-
forces beyond our bodies link us to others affecting the mind, and vice versa. being in over 275,000 people revealed
is so ingrained that we use phrases such that “happy individuals are predisposed
Emotional health has been
as “ties that bind,” “family ties,” and to seek out and undertake new goals in
found to contribute to work success,
“bonding,” to describe those intangible life and this reinforces positive emotions”

Holistic health image derived
from Steelcase’s physical health
image from Movement Toward
Health in the Workplace booklet
14


Word cloud of words
social health


(p. 803). Goleman states that “emotions include air, food, water, sleep, sex; then of humankind.
are contagious” (2006, p. 13). If emotions security of environment, employment,
“Past research has identified many
are contagious, and happiness is a resources, health, property; then
factors, such as demographic, task-
socially contagious emotion, emotional love, friendship, intimacy, family; then
related, workstation-related, ergonomic,
health and social health are connected. confidence, self-esteem, achievement,
and psychosocial factors, associated
respect. The higher-order needs consist
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with health complaints of employees
of morality, creativity and problem
a motivational theory of psychology that engaged in sedentary work” (Waikar
solving. Although there is a range of
represents a model of human-centered & Bradshaw, 1995, p.18). Gallagher
interpretation about how much each
motivation based on goals, suggests that (1993) states that there is a disconnect
of the lower order needs must be
people have five tiers of needs in order between humans and our immediate
satisfied prior to the ability to develop
to grow into the ultimate person they are environments. Our immediate
the capacity of self-realization, human
capable of being (Maslow, 1943). These environments—home environments, work
needs consist of emotional, social and
five needs consist of physiological needs, environments and larger urban systems—
physical needs. Based on Maslow’s
safety needs, love needs, esteem needs affect us socially and physically, even
Hierarchy of Needs, one can say that
and the need for self-actualization. biologically, as where biophilia is
workplaces catering to well-being of
The first four lower need to be satisfied concerned (Dugdill, 2000). Whether
personnel take aspects of emotional,
before higher-order needs can influence or not these immediate environments
social health and physical health into
behavior; hence the hierarchy of this provide space and activities for social
consideration—essentially the body and
model of needs. The lower levels needs and physical activities, our overall well-
mind, as they are quite naturally priorities

Steelcase social health image
from Movement Toward Health
in the Workplace booklet

16


Word cloud of words
physical health


being is affected. cognitive health, one may be able to • Work tools that come to you and
function more efficiently, pleaseantly, are easily adjustable.”
Steelcase promotes holistic health with a
comfortably.
balance of cognitive, social and physical • “Seating that is easily adjustable
well-being through its “movement “Social Checklist”: and made to fit you, not the other way
toward wellness in the workplace” around.”
• “Provide a variety of collaborative
design guides. Printed in the Details
spaces.” A work environment that demands or
booklet by Steelcase Inc. (2009) is a
provides more space and opportunities
“Physical Checklist” as well as cognitive • “Offer collaborative solutions that
simply for more body movement
and social checklists that can also be work for longer periods of time, keeping
promotes physical health. Even moving
found by visiting Steelcase’s website. workers refreshed.”
around a little bit more on a daily basis
“Cognitive Checklist”: can help maintain healthy body weight
• “Train workers to use the
and burn calories (Levine & Yeager,
ergonomic features of their work
• “Work areas that provide sufficient
2009). A healthy body helps a health
environment.”
lighting.”
mind. Research has found that exercise
• “Encourage health with employee stimulates the mind and body, increasing
• “Provide a variety of solutions for
wellness.” productivity.
privacy and interaction.”

A work environment that encourages Through literature review, previous
• “Address information processing
freedom and creativity for personnel research studies, a workplace aiming
and storage needs of diverse jobs.”
welcomes confidence, inspirations and for overall personnel well-being supports
• “Work tools that allow you innovation. Emotionally, personnel are cognitive (mental and emotional),
to organize your information to affected by their social relationships; social and physical health for a balance
accommodate the way you work.” and as the mind affects the body and of holistic health. Through workplace
vice versa, contributors to social and planning and design, the incorporation
• “Workstation that promote
emotional health should be considered of elements of biophilia, ergonomics and
movement, keeping users energized.”
even in workplace design in order to exercise may help contribute to overall
achieve ultimate well-being. Spaces that well-being, as elements of these factors
A work environment that takes into
promote collaboration and spontaneus are directly related to cognitive health,
considerations elements of ergonomics
interaction amongst personnel social health and physical health.
such as lighting, space, furniture and
accomodate aspects of social health.
equipment so that one can work more
efficiently and productively addresses
“Physical Checklist”:
cognitive health. As the body is affected
by the mind and the mind is affected • “Seating that allows dynamic
by the body, bodily discomfort can movement and postural change.”
trigger mental or emotioanl frustrations.
• Workstations that allow you to
Research has found ergonomic body-
work while you stand.”
conscious furniture and equipment to
increase productivity and limit body • Seating that keeps you oriented to
aches and pains and health costs. With your work.”
such accomodations designed for

18

Review of Literature: Biophilia

Biophilia

Evolutionary psychology is a newer and illuminated regardless of season or (p. 406). Biophilia became a popular
science that argues that “innate human time of the day—although even on a term when Edward O. Wilson published
behaviour is governed by adaptations rainy morning, it is brighter outside than Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other
of psychological processes which inside with the lights on” (Gallagher, Species, in 1984. Wilson defined biophilia
evolved to aid our survival and well- 1993, p. 12). Evolutionary psychologists as “the innate tendency to focus on
being” (Oseland, 2009, p. 250). As a argue that “people feel refreshed sitting life and lifelike processes” (Wilson,
result of human’s innate predispositions in a natural environment because 1984, Prologue). To Wilson, it seemed
for survival and well-being, people are nature provides a setting for “non-taxing unquestionable that human beings
social, needing a sense of community involuntary attention” (Oseland, 2009, have an innate sensitivity to and need
and belonging, human sense of direction p. 250). As evolutionary psychologists for other living things, because we have
is based on natural clues such as the argue for innate tendencies to be coexisted in the closest relationship
sun and landmarks, and people want to affiliated with other species and natural with the natural world for so many
explore what is around them, with clear environments, biophilia is a key theme millennia. According to Wilson, it is
views in all directions. “Only a hundred within evolutionary psychology. To some, ultimately human nature and a genetic
years ago, the overwhelming majority “nature” means plants as in gardens, predisposition, hereditary desire to have
of Americans lived in the country, while forests and parks, but weather and an emotional affiliation with human
today, most cluster in metropolitan animals (humans included) are also beings and other living organisms (Kellert,
areas” (Gallagher, 1993, p. 13). directly connected. Although not may et al., 1993, p. 31). Because elements of
Classrooms teach us that humans, similar studies on the topic of biophilia address biophilia (or lack of) constitute peoples’
to other living species, have evolved human preferences for affiliations with physical and social environments,
over millions of years responding to earth animals, one study by Tesitel et al. elements of biophilia affect peoples’
and sun cycles. Such cycles produced (2001) found that of a community of social health and emotional health. For
predictable biochemical and behavior approximately six-hundred families in example, a lack of plants or animals may
changes. “Environmentally minded Czech Republic, almost twenty-five weaken one’s emotional, or similarly,
scientists have begun to question the percent claimed their pets to be family cognitive health. Grinde and Patil (2009)
trade-offs we unwittingly make in order members. These pets consist of mainly report that even though some people
to live sealed up inside an artificially dogs, budgies, fish, hamsters, turtles, do not express any interest in plants
heated, cooled, and lighted world that guinea pigs, cats and snakes. and nature, the absence of nature can
is structured around economic rather actually have a negative effect on them
The term biophilia was first coined by
than biologic concerns” (Gallagher, (p. 2339). Although some people may
Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human
1993, p. 13). Gallagher reminds us that suffer from biophobia, a fear of nature
Destructiveness (1973). Fromm defined
the Industrial Revolution brought people and other living species, studies report
biophilia as “the passionate love of life
indoors. “Turning away from the natural that the absence of greenery can be
and of all that is alive; it is the wish to
world, huge populations gravitated a stress factor, whether the absence
further growth, whether in a person,
toward a very different one made up of of greenery is noticed consciously or
a plant, an idea, or a social group”
homes and workplaces that were warm without thinking; “the presence of plants


can impact on the human mind” sun (Gallagher, 1993, p. 12). Gallagher
(Grinde & Patil, 2009, p. 2338). notes the startling disconnect in current
science studies and theories of the
Besides the necessary conversion of
sun. “…in the West, exposure to the
carbon dioxide into oxygen, biological
sun’s bright light has become erratic
plants offer growth, life, change, value,
in duration and timing for the first time
aesthetic qualities, emotional benefit,
in history, and they [environmentally
and health and healing properties to
minded scientists] suspect that the fact
humans and other living organisms.
that most of us are no longer wakened
Wilson’s Biophilia Hypothesis associates
by the dawn, drawn outdoors for much
our fondness of and desires for plants
of the day by our way of life, and lulled
with our innate desire and genetic
to sleep by darkness helps explain why
predisposition towards plants for means
up to a third of us suffer from sleep or
of survival, food and shelter. “For the
mood problems, or both” (Gallagher,
indefinite future more children and
1993, p. 14). Hundreds of years ago
adults will continue, as they do now,
the idea that light affects mental and
to visit zoos than attend all major
physical health was a widely accepted
professional sports combined (at
principle. This more recent observation
least this is so in the United States and
made by environmentally minded
Canada), the wealthy will continue
scientists suggests, as Gallagher puts it,
to seek dwellings on prominences
that “science forgot about it”, a widely
above water amidst parkland, and
accepted belief many years ago.
urban dwellers will go on dreaming of
snakes for reasons they cannot explain” Despite intuitive thoughts on the
(Kellert, et al., 1993, p. 32). benefits of affiliations with nature,
an increasing number of studies
In the second century A.D., Aretaeus
report findings that nature provides
prescribed for people suffering from
psychological and physical health
lethargy to lay in the sunlight because
benefits. Grinde and Patil (2009)
their disease was gloom (Gallagher,
share reports of health benefits from
1993, p. 12). The four humors, or body
association with nature experiences,
fluids, according to Aretaeus: yellow
true wilderness experiences,
bile, black bile, phlegm, and blood,
neighborhood parks, gardens, and
were said to determine everything from
natural features around residences:
a person’s constitution to his character.
nature reduces stress; improves
These four body fluids were said to
attention, by having a positive effect
correspond to the four elements of
on mental restoration and by coping
fire, earth, water, and air, and were
with attention deficits; and increases
also related to summer, fall, winter,
longevity (p. 2335).
and spring; therefore, an individual’s
physiological and behavioral changes William McDonough and Michael
could be viewed in the context of the Braungart designed an “eco-effective”

20

Review of Literature: Biophilia
Introduction

factory for Herman Miller that brought not the object of focus (Grinde & Patil,
together visions of “a life-centered 2009, p. 2335). Velarde et al. assert
community and environment” that a lack of city green spaces or
(McDonough & Braungart, 2002, p. unmanaged green spaces can cause
75). This factory noticed “dramatic increased anxiety that increases the
productivity gains,” which analyses incidence of crime (p. 2339). Expressing
confirmed were a result of one factor, a growing problem in the United States
biophilia. Retention rates were noted as in the 70’s, Scuhmacher noted that,
“impressive” and employees who left “Modern man does not experience
the factory for higher paid jobs returned himself as a part of nature but as an
stating they could not work “in the dark” outside force destined to dominate
(p. 75-76). Their goal of the design was and conquer it” (Schumacher, 1973, p.
to “give workers the feeling that they’d 14). Some propose that love, an aspect
spent the day outdoors, unlike workers in of biophilia, will cure this disconnect
the conventional factory of the Industrial between man and nature as well as cure
Revolution, who might not see daylight mankind of other worldwide problems,
until the weekend” (p. 75). McDonough even health problems in the workplace.
and Braungart succeeded in designing “The human need for nature is linked not
an ideal work environment for industry just to the material exploitation of the
workers: “We designed the factory environment but also to the influence
around a tree-lined interior conceived of the natural world on our emotional,
as a brightly day lit street that ran the cognitive, aesthetic, and even spiritual
entire length of the building. There are development” (Nelson, 1993, p. 42).
rooftop skylights everywhere the workers
are stationed, and the manufacturing
space offers views of both the internal
street and the outdoors, so that even
as they work indoors, employees get to
participate in the cycles of the day and
the seasons” (p. 75).

A study (Tesitel, et al., 1993) of the
absence of natural components in
an urban environment found that the
absence of parks and landscaped
community areas limited the ‘pleasant
experience’ of people living in the area.
“The absence of plants may suggest an
“unnatural”, and thus potentially unsafe,
environment;” as plants may affect
the human mind through unconscious
mechanisms, even when plants are


Ergonomics

The International Ergonomics turnover and costs” (ErgoExpo, 2010.) weight of users. It is recommended that
Association states that “ergonomics armrests be provided for obese people
Ergonomists actively analyze human-
promotes a holistic approach in which as well as for elderly. Taller chairs are
system interactions and the design of the
considerations of physical, cognitive, easier to exit for older people.
system in order to optimize human well-
social, organizational, environmental
being and overall system performance With concerns for the growing obesity
and other relevant factors are taken
(IEA, 2011). Ergonomics has implications epidemic in the US, Dr. Congleton reports
into account” (IEA, 2010, para. 4).
for all physical aspects of the workplace: that thirty-five percent of adults in the US
Ergonomics is a broad discipline
furniture, lighting, noise, temperature, are overweight and twenty-six percent
including occupation health. It is now
movement, tools, equipment, machinery, are obese. Obesity is clinically defined
applied to office workstations after
devices, and of course people; people as thirty pounds overweight (Levine,
first being applied to cockpit design
and their physical, psychological and 2009, p. 43). Considering the health risks
during World War II, and then factory
social health. A common practice within that come with obesity and the costs of
production facilities (Cranz, 1998, p.
ergonomics is taking anthropometric such diseases and illnesses, introducing
97). “The term “ergonomics” comes
design into consideration, such as more movement into the workplace
from the Greek ergon, meaning “work,”
the idea of accommodating the is a preventative measure, similar to
and –omics, meaning “to manage.”
extreme dimensions and activities of a traditional Chinese healing practices that
Thus, ergonomics is the study of the
population; because, when equipment use proactive approaches working to
relationship between the person and the
is designed for the dimensions of an prevent illness. Ergonomists recommend
immediate environment (Cranz, 1998,
average person, most users are limited. that personnel sit when they are tired
p. 97). The International Ergonomics
By designing for the tallest and the and stand for twenty minutes, three
Association Council defined ergonomics
shortest percentiles of a user population; to six times per day. Standing delivers
in August 2000. Their official definition
it is easier for most users to adjust furniture health benefits. Sit-stand workstations
of ergonomics is: “Ergonomics (or
and equipment by raising or lowering and workstations like Steelcase’s
human factors) is the scientific discipline
for others. If a door knob were placed Walkstation that provide opportunities
concerned with the understanding of
at average height, a child or a midget and equipment for exercise (Steelcase
interactions among humans and other
would be excluded from its use. General OfficeScapes) offer many benefits to
elements of a system, and the profession
rules are to design leg clearance for tall personnel working long hours at a typical
that applies theory, principles, data and
people and reach distances for smaller sedentary work station. Dr. Congleton
methods to design in order to optimize
people, or better yet, accommodating notes that, depending on body shape
human well-being and overall system
users with adjustable or custom furniture and metabolism, personnel can burn 280
performance” (IEA, para. 1). Dr. Jerome.
and equipment. Adjustable tables allow extra calories on an average workday
J. Congleton defines ergonomics as:
vertical adjustment of workstations by standing for two hours throughout the
“The study of the work to prevent and
to accommodate a larger range of workday; equivalent to approximately
control injury and illness while improving
possible personnel heights. In addition to twenty pounds of weight lost in one year.
wellness, productivity, quality, marketing,
height, it is also important to consider the To do this, he recommends:
customer service, delivery and reducing

22

Review of Literature: Ergonomics

raising desk heights from thirty to forty ideal situation would allow individuals to
inches; raising the chair to stool height choose the most appropriate chair or
so as to allow users to easily and freely chairs for themselves.
stand up to work periodically; and
Why should workers sit? Sitting causes
using a keyboard tray and monitor arm,
less fatigue, comforts the knee, hip
essentials if an electric height adjustable
back, ankle, offers stability, assists in data
desk is not available. By working at sit-
entry, allows for use of foot controls,
stand-walk workstations, personnel can
and accommodates meetings.
burn more calories, possibly lose weight,
Sit-stand workstations with adjustable
relieve pressure on spinal discs and ease
keyboard platforms and monitors
physical ailments.
are recommended by Dr. Congleton
Why should people stand at work? Dr. for workplaces where personnel use
J. Congleton supports standing with computers for more than four hours
justified reasons: standing allows for per day. GeekDesk® recommends
a wider range of motion, uses larger its product for the options of working
forces, promotes blood flow and sitting and standing at the same desk;
postural changes, better respiration and it is electrically operated. They claim
reaction alertness, burns more calories, this electric desk adjusts working height
and lowers pressure in low back discs. from sitting to standing (or anywhere
When we sit, pressure on some spinal in between) at the touch of a button,
discs increases thirty percent compared increases productivity, supports a variety
to when we are standing (Cranz, 1998, of positions, reduces back & neck pain,
p. 97). Dr. James A. Levine, an obesity helps people feel better and focused
specialist at the Mayo Clinic, notes stay more easily (GeekDesk, 2011). The
that, compared to sitting, one can burn sit-stand workstations are recommended
three times as many calories an hour by Dr. Congelton for personnel who
standing; (Levine, 2009, p. 43). “If sitting are tied to their work areas by phone
is the problem, standing is the answer” or other equipment within reach, for
(p. 43). Standing is not necessarily better example, customer service, data entry,
than sitting; studies show that sitting and and help desk personnel. Monitor
standing should be alternated, allowing placement for sit-stand workstations
for movement and multiple positions. should be placed according to the
Dr. Congleton recommends personnel user. The top of the screen should be
to sit when tired and stand when they approximately eye level with the user
can for twenty minutes, three to six and about thirty-two inches from the
times per day. If options for sit-stand or user; the appropriate location results
standing workstations are not provided, in an approximate angle of twenty to
other ergonomic solutions are also twenty-five degrees down from the user’s
possible. A variety of sizes of chairs to eye height to the monitor screen (Dr. J.
meet the varying needs of personnel Congelton, 2010).
can be provided. The best and most
From top:
Varier® Gravity chair designed
by Peter Opsvik; Le Corbusier’s
lounge chair; Varier®
Variable ™ Balans ®, designed
by Peter Opsvik


The Chair

Galen Cranz, in The Chair: Rethinking Seat of Your Pain May Be Your Chair. chairs” (p. 93). Linton et al. (1994) found
Culture, Body, and Design, boldly From experience, Cranz states that: that furniture design is one aspect of a
described the history, functions, and “Improving the basic configuration of the multidimensional problem. Specifically,
possible improvements of chair design conventional chair involves aligning and pupils’ attitude and behavior problems
while addressing ergonomics and supporting the torso properly” (p. 152). were found to be associated with poor
mind-body relationships. She suggested Cranz explores culture, ergonomics, and ergonomic school furniture. During a
“inventing an entirely new system [of mind-body relationships for the reform six month controlled experiment of
seating] to promote movement at work of the chair. Critical for recognition by testing and ergonomic assessments, the
and at schools” as she argues against designers, is Cranz’s statement that: experimental group of fourth graders
the chair (1998, p. 19). Chairs are popular “Probably the single most important who used ergonomically designed
decorative elements today, prized for principle of body-conscious design is to school furniture experienced a reduction
appearance over function, resulting in use design to keep posture varied and in musculoskeletal symptoms and
concerns of the body, especially where the body moving” (p. 185). found their furniture to be significantly
sedentary work is required. Dr. Jenny more comfortable than the traditional
Cranz explores why stools are
Pynt and Joy Higgs published a book furniture used by the controlled group.
uncomfortable for a majority of us. She
on the design and history of chairs and Sitting behaviors differed only slightly
believes that “we can’t sit upright simply
seating, A History of Seating, 3000 Bc in this investigation, although proper
because we have grown accustomed
to 2000 Ad: Function Versus Aesthetics. instructions on how to use the ergonomic
to being supported by chair backs” (p.
They argue that functional seating furniture correctly were provided.
95). She explains this “vicious cycle”
needs to assist users for performance Although Cranz stated that ergonomic
with her hypothesis: “we lean back
of seated asks, enhancing rather than recommendations never completely
because our muscles are weak, and
detracting from user posture and health. eliminate the damage caused by chair
leaning back weakens the muscles even
Aesthetic features should be taken into sitting, following such recommendations
further, so that we ‘need’ support even
consideration as well, aesthetics that would minimize health risks (p. 101-102).
more” (p. 96). After collecting evidence
do not limit tasks or health. In the home,
from multiple countries and cultures, Stating that no body should remain
office, and schools, chairs need to be
Cranz found that sitting is associated in one single posture for long periods
reformed for healthier postures. Our
with back problems, varicose veins, of time, Cranz recommends healthier
bodies were not meant to sit in positions
stress, fatigue, diaphragm, circulation, chairs for human posture. Among her
for long periods of time; they need
digestion, elimination, and general recommendations are: rocking chairs,
movement. According to Cranz, “from
body movement (p. 97). According inflatable therapy and exercise balls,
a somatic point of view, chairs pose
to Cranz, scientific literature on chair Le Corbusier’s lounge chair, Opsvik’s
many different problems” (p. 135). The
design is concerned with ergonomics; Norwegian Balans chair, also called the
seated position we are accustomed, is a
measures of the relationship between kneeling chair, Opsvik’s Gravity lounge
health hazard, causing back pains and
work-related human activity and the chair and Mandal’s tilting stool.
many other health problems. Dr. Jenny
immediate environment, “which includes
Pynt published a book in 1998, titled The

24

Review of Literature: The Chair
Introduction

Rocking chairs often have high backs, allowing different positions that are
offering appropriate support to the acquired through shifting body weight
shoulder, neck, and head (p. 184). in the chair. From a lounge chair, the
Because rocking chairs “move the Gravity converts to a conventional chair
ankle, knees, and hip sockets directly, and to a kneeling chair. Space is also
and the head-neck joint and the provided for the shoulder girdle to rotate
entire spine only slightly less directly,” independently of the head and spine.
they are recommended by Cranz (p. The Gravity™ balans® chair is available
184). Because inflatable balls found in at Varier®.
physical therapy and fitness exercises
Cranz praises the Norwegian Balans
are unstable surfaces, they require
chair, also known as the kneeling chair,
users to actively use the legs and torso
designed by Svein Gusrud and Peter
and continuously use different muscles,
Opsvik, because it improves breathing
which can help triumph circulation
and keeps the spine in its natural
and muscle fatigue problems that are
curvature by forcing the thighs to drop in
associated with conventional sedentary
relation to the spine, creating an oblique
work positions. Dr. Mandal’s chair
angle so that “the work of sitting upright
supports perching, a position that is
is distributed between the front and back
between sitting and standing. Rather
of the spine and along its length most
than resting on the knees as Opsvik’s
evenly so that sitting upright is easy, one
Balans chair requires, this perch stance
doesn’t tire, and therefore one doesn’t
creates a tripod between the left and
need or want back support” (1998, p.
right feet and the sit bones. For this
116). An inspiration of Mandal’s forward-
tripod stance, a significantly higher (than
tilt seats, this chair that neither looks like a
conventional chairs) forward-tilt seat is
chair nor a stool, was engineered in the
required. Le Corbusier’s lounge chair is
late 1970’s and exported to the United
recommended by back surgeons for
States in 1981 (Cranz, 1998, p. 170). This
people suffering from back problems,
chair improves balance, circulation and
because the chaise supports the entire
oxygen levels because it builds back and
back all the way up, including the
abdominal muscles.
shoulders, neck and head (Cranz, 1998,
p. 183). The cylindrical neck, however,
may require an adjustment for many
users, as it may be too thick, claims
Cranz.

Peter Opsvik’s Gravity chair is another
recommended chair by Cranz because,
as a lounge chair, it provides back,
shoulder, neck and head support.
Different from Corbusier’s lounge, the
Gravity chair involves movement,


Exercise

Although most overweight health “physical inactivity”, is a risk factor for psychological well-being (WHO).
problems result from poor nutrition and chronic diseases entirely on its own.
Endocrinologist, Dr. James A.
diet than lack of exercise, exercise Overall, physical inactivity is estimated
Levine partnered with Steelcase to
has been known to be beneficial in to cause 1.9 million deaths globally
manufacture a workstation called the
maintaining health. Ideally, workplaces (WHO, 2011). On the other hand, the
Walkstation that combines an adjustable
would incorporate more play, exercise World Health Organization states that
sitting and standing height surface with
and movement. “By actively choosing significant health benefits are related to
a treadmill, operating at two miles per
endeavors that demand your total regular physical activity such as walking
hour at the most. Just as Rachel Carson’s
focus and skillfully using attention to and sports activities. Thirty minutes of
Silent Spring shook common thought and
make even inevitable rote chores more moderate physical activity per day is
ignorance and took at least a decade
engaging, you can blur the distinction recommended by the World Health
to rattle change in agricultural treatment
between work and play—a hallmark of Organization. Regular physical activity
methods and environmental policies,
the focused life” (Gallagher, 2009, p. can reduce the risk of cardiovascular
implementation of the Walkstation
99). Aside from any other health issues, disease, diabetes and osteoporosis,
into everyday workspaces that are
a lack of physical activity, known as help control weight, and promote

Steelcase physical health image
from Movement Toward Health
in the Workplace booklet

26

Review of Literature: Exercise

accustomed to sedentary work may paper published in Science) that nature because they do not require
take decades, especially in today’s quantified body postures with “NEAT the maintenance of planting, watering,
slow economic recovery. Costs and underwear” lean and healthy volunteers, placement according to sunlight, or
receptiveness to new ideas are factors not “gym goers”, “simply lived their life pruning, but the extra body movements
slowing such implementations of exercise with greater movement, just the way required to retrieve a water pitcher,
and movement into workplaces. nature intended” (p. 43). Technological filling up the water pitcher and watering
advances have made some things the plant burn calories. Having living
Despite today’s explosion of gyms and
are more convenient than they used plants to care for provide opportunities
fitness clubs to fight obesity, Dr. Levine
to be, such as driving to and from to burn more calories. Dr. Levine would
states that “the calories we burn behind
places that are less than a mile away say watering plants is an opportunity
their mirrored walls pale in comparison to
instead of walking. Small activities like to boost one’s “NEAT”, or calorie
those we could and should be burning
watering plants, walking stairs, walking burning metabolism, also known as
in normal life” (Levine & Yeager, 2009,
to the printer rather than printing at the “nonexercise activity thermogenesis”
p. 43). Dr. Levine introduces everyday
desk, and walking the long route are the US population regularly “exercises,”
innovative practices for exercise at
daily activities that require use of more and why half of all people who embark
work in, Move a Little, Lose A Lot. Even
energy by simply living. Interior plants on an exercise plan abandon it within six
moving around a little bit more on a
support healthy efforts towards eight weeks. We’re simply not engineered to
daily basis can help maintain healthy
loss and weight management. Besides live like that” (p. 5).
body weight and burn calories. In one
dusting, artificial plants may provide
of Levine’s scientific studies (an obesity Standing rather than sitting or in
a convenient green representation of

Steelcase Walkstation by
Details


addition to sitting while working is a 1996, illustrates examples of how workers environments, increased performance
way to address the issue Dr. Levine can self-treat their pain, improve posture pressure and the hopes of leaving work
brings up, therefore he designed the and prevent chronic health problems in early contribute to “killing lunchtime”
Walkstation treadmill. Simply having a the office. (Steelcase, July 2006). Steelcase found
dog, or children, gives people more that forty-nine percent of US workers who
Waikar & Bradshaw (1995), refer
opportunities to walk, run, take the long participated in the Workplace Survey
to Austin’s findings (1984) noting that
way, play, bend, reach, stretch, skip, Index spent their lunch hour working with
“physical exercise has the potential to
and spend more time outdoors. These colleagues, working during lunch and
reduce work-related musculoskeletal
simple activities support one’s health; even eating at their desks. Other popular
stress” (Waikar & Bradshaw, 1995, p. 16).
specifically through the factors of lunchtime activities include Internet
Waikar and Bradshaw studied businesses
biophilia, ergonomics and exercise with shopping, reading, making phone calls,
that provided formal exercise programs
access to and affiliations with nature, running errands, exercising and even
(or not), the willingness of personnel to
space, body-conscious activities and dating. Steelcase found in 2006 that the
participate in formal exercise programs,
equipment. US lunch hour dropped to about half an
and employees’ preferences for features
hour and women are more likely to take
Lack of exercise, smoking and poor of an exercise program. They concluded
shorter lunches than men.
diet pose major risk factors for diseases that ninety-seven percent of participants
such as cancer, heart disease and indicated that their employer did not
diabetes. Due to higher health costs have a formal exercise program (p. 23).
and sick days associated with people Of that ninety-seven percent, sixty-nine
who are overweight and therefore not percent responded that they would
as healthy as physically fit and healthy be willing to participate in a formal
people, workplaces are more likely exercise program if one were offered by
to hire and retain physically fit and their company (p. 24). Dr. Levine notes,
healthy employees; their health costs however, that a recent poll of more than
are typically lower and they require one thousand mend an women found
fewer sick days from work. It would that “only 29 percent of American’s
therefore be beneficial for personnel current favorite pastimes involve any
if workplaces provided space, time, physical activity, down more than a third
opportunities, equipment and incentives from ten years ago” (Levine, 2009, p. 17).
for physical fitness actually within Clearly, the way people actually behave
workplaces. “Since we spend the is not always consistent with how they
majority of our waking hours at work, report their behavior. “Past favorites such
our loss of NEAT [“nonexercise activity as swimming, walking, and gardening
thermogenesis” or the energy one have slipped from favor. Fishing and
burns simply living life] at the workplace bowling are becoming quaint activities
has had the most profound effect on from bygone days,” reports Dr. Levine
our energy expenditure,” possibly also (p. 17).
limiting motivation and productivity
Steelcase’s 360 article on the topic
levels (Levine, 2009, p. 16). Simple desk
of workplace lunch breaks addresses
exercises such as those listed in Dr. Jenny
the concern that changing work
Pynt’s book Desk Exercises published in

28

Review of Literature: Environmental Psychology
Introduction

Environmental Psychology

Because emotions such as lives” (p. 16). Boyden (1971) distinguished Healing spaces, rooted in environmental
happiness affect motivation levels, needs for survival from needs for well- psychology, now have a scientific
productivity and success, living in being. Well-being needs consist of basis. “Our decisions about where to
environments that create and sustain physiological, psychological and social live or work can have significant if often
happiness for individuals can support needs which can be addressed in interior unsuspected impact on our well-being,
work performance. It is valuable to design: meaningful change and sensory whether through subtle means, such
consider location, macro and micro variability; opportunity to engage in a as lighting and plants, or more directly,
environments when relocating, choosing full range of species typical behaviors through agents such as allergens or
a school, a workplace, building, and (creativity, self-expression, cooperation, pollutants” (Gallagher, 1993, p. 19)
designing. “Past research has identified exploration); opportunity to engage
many factors, such as demographic, in spontaneous social encounters; an
task-related, workstation-related, interesting visual environment; noise
ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, levels not much above or below that
associated with health complains of in nature; freedom to move between
employees engaged in sedentary one social phase and another (from
work” (Waikar & Bradshaw, 1995, p. 18). solitary work to group interaction);
The physical environment surrounding and opportunity for regular exercise
people affects their performance and (Clements-Croome, 2006).
health. Gallagher states: “Now modern
Gallagher and Sternberg propose
science is confirming that our actions,
that people live in environments that
thoughts, and feelings are indeed
support their well-being, whether a
shaped not just by our genes and
city location, beach or farm location
neurochemistry, history and relationships,
is healthier depends on the person, a
but also by our surroundings” (Gallagher,
person’s experiences, emotions, mind.
1993, p. 12). Just like the simplest of
“Hofer points to the migrations of the
microorganisms, humans depend on
tiny typhoid bacillus: in order to live, it
their environmental interactions for
must swim to a place rich in the nutrient
survival (p. 15). Concerned for the
it wants, stop, and remain there, finding
disconnect between humans and our
its way by the reactions of receptors
immediate environments, Gallagher
on its cell membrane to chemicals that
states that “While we readily accept that
send it into different states” (p. 15). Just
a healthy seed can’t grow into a plant
in 1984, the first study to test the idea
without the right soil, light, and water,
that physical space might contribute
and that a feral dog wont behave
to healing was published in Science
like a pet, we resist recognizing the
magazine (Sternberg, 2009, p. 1-2).
importance of environment in our own


Health and Healing Environments

Earlier schools of thought and beauty of flowers and plants surely pleasure. Put in more mechanistic terms,
believed external environments to rattle our human instincts. “Evolutionary they play upon the circuitry of the brain’s
be determinants of mental health, biologists believe that in many creatures limbic system in a way that ultimately
rather than simply individuals’ internal beauty is a reliable indicator of health, promotes survival and reproduction” (p.
processes, which most of today’s and therefore a perfectly sensible way 61). An annual meeting of the American
psychological health emphasizes to choose one mate over another” Psychological Association discussed
(Gallagher, 1993, p. 15). In classical (Pollan, 2002, p. 74). Beauty is of instinct, a study analyzing the ways in which
times, temples to the Greek god of naturally attractive to humans because lively and dull interiors affect mood
healing (Asclepius) “were built far from it symbolizes health. Wilson (1984) and performance. “When the subjects’
towns, high up on hilltops overlooking the states: “Mathematics and beauty are responded to a stimulating, plant-filled,
sea” (Sternberg, 2009, p. 3). For years, devices by which human beings get homey setting and a grim, institutional
hospital guests have given flowers and through life with the limited intellectual one were contrasted, the only reaction
plants to friends and family suffering with capacity inherited by the species. Like a they all shared was a decline in vigorous
health issues in an attempt to promote discerning palate and sexual appetite, activity and increased feelings of fatigue
health and healing. The vibrant colors these esthetic contrivances give in the austere environment” (Gallagher,

30

Review of Literature: Health & Healing Environments
Introduction

1993, p. 17). connection is an assumption that ensure the workspaces on offer are
physical places that set the mind at ease made available to all (p. 251).
“More than two thousand years ago,
can contribute to well-being, and those
Hippocrates’ observation that our With innovative efforts to create healthy
that trouble the emotions might foster
well-being is affected by our settings workplace design, Steelcase provides
illness” (p. 10). Oseland (2009) states that
was established as a cornerstone of surveys on their website that can be used
“design implications for evolutionary
Western medicine” (Gallagher, 1993, p. by workplaces to help them gain insight
psychology are self-explanatory, but
12). Health and healing environments, into employee desires and opinions
nevertheless many offices fail to meet
such as hospitals, medical clinics, and of their work environments. Gallagher
these basic psychological needs:
doctors’ offices, incorporate artificial states that in today’s rapid paced world
plants and representations of nature. • provide a variety of spaces that of information technology, “we must
For example, NatureMaker’s Steel allow people to gather, preferably with put the principles emerging from the
Art Trees support healing processes food and drink (“watering holes”) made multidisciplinary science of places into
by softening environments that available; practice on local and global levels” to
may potentially appear bleak and secure environmental quality (Gallagher,
• offer a stimulating and interesting
uninviting (NatureMaker). Views, color, 1993, p. 19).
environment and allow us to move
temperature, light, plants, smells and
around and explore rather than stay
other factors have been documented
working in one place;
as elements that affect people
psychologically, influencing positive or • create places which offer quieter
negative emotions, levels of motivation environments away from colleagues to
and hunger. These elements are also concentrate or just contemplate;
considered in human factors. Oseland
argues that poor working conditions can • design facades which offer views
lead to dissatisfaction and therefore out and good daylight ingress that
reduced performance and interprets will meet biophilia needs as will good
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs into: landscaping externally and planting
“if we do not provide comfortable internally;
environments that fulfill base human
• ideally, provide natural ventilation
needs then, regardless of rewards, the
and the control of internal temperatures,
building occupants are unlikely to be at
or failing that good fresh air ventilation
their most productive” (1995, p. 246).
and the option to work in locations of a
As with Planetree’s patient-centered different temperature;
and evidence based approaches
• plan desks to offer views across
to healthcare design, healthcare
the office and to the outside without
environments today use patient-
the occupier feeling at risk of being
centered approaches while
overlooked from passersby (if located
incorporating design features to foster
with their back to a main circulation
well-being and healing (Planetree, 2009).
route); and
Dr. Sternberg (2009) notes that “implicit
in an understanding of the mind-body • to satisfy egalitarian principles,


Findings & Opportunities

“... [O]ne of the most important aspects of a designer’s role is to help change social perception”

(Cranz 1998, p. 185).

Literature review has illuminated workplaces is an approach this research to biophilia, ergonomics and exercise.
existing problems with regards to overall study suggests based on literature review Social encounters and exposure
well-being, from health issues associated and case study findings. to natural environments affect the
with chairs, sitting, sedentary work, mind; and the body is affected by
This research study is based on the
lack of exercise, obesity, and features the mind while the mind is affected
assumption that employees as well as
(or lack of features) in our surrounding by the body. Social health is similar to
employers desire mobility and resources
environments. How can we solve these emotional health, affecting the mind,
in the workplace that support holistic
problems? We can solve these problems and is directly correlated to biophilia
health practices involving factors:
by focusing on health holistically. such as with human encounters with
biophilia, ergonomics, and exercise.
Taking into consideration all aspects of other living species. Physical health is
Based on findings in literature review,
emotional, social and physical health related to ergonomics and exercise, as
emotional health directly corresponds
while planning, designing and operating physical health pertains to health of the

32

Findings & Opportunities
Introduction

body, tissue, organs, muscles, bones, contributors to well-being in the
nerves. Literature review of existing workplace?
and previous research supports the
4) At what economic cost are
assumption that workplace personnel
employees and employers willing to
desire holistic health, but also reveals
implement their preference of holistic
a gap in research. There is a lack of
health factor(s) into their place of work?
understanding of what employees and
employers believe contributes to their The purpose of secondary research
personal well-being in the workplace questions below is to follow-up with
and what they think specifically about results of the primary research questions.
the factors of holistic health in their These questions provide clarifications
workplaces. This research study proposes and illuminate any inconsistencies
questions that address workplace amongst participants’ responses and
personnel opinions about health that actions; people do not always do as
have not recently been asked and they say they do.
methodically documented.
A) How much does each worker
The primary research questions below currently walk during a typical work day?
address workplace personnel beliefs
about value, productivity, well-being B) What holistic health programs or
and cost with regards to the holistic incentives are currently in place?
health factors: biophilia, ergonomics and
C) What are ideal work environments?
exercise.

1) Of the holistic health factors—
biophilia, ergonomics and exercise—
considered in the workplace, which are
valued by employees and employers in
the workplace?

considered in the workplace, which
are considered by employees and
employers to be the most significant
contributors to productivity in the
workplace?

considered in the workplace, which
employers to be the most significant


Methodology

“Jolt subjects into a new awareness of their social existence”

(Dhadphale, 2009).

Different from fixed design research, phase of data collection, as with fixed of populations, case studies allow
flexible design research uses a strategy design research. for “in-depth examination of one
“where the research design develops particular individual, institution, instance,
As this research study’s methods evolved,
(emerges, unfolds) during the process of or occurrence,” illuminating social
delving deeper into social complexities
data collection and analysis” (p. 547). complexities to a body of knowledge (p.
within small sedentary workplaces, a
Typically, qualitative data is collected 115). Authenticity and richness are goals
case study strategy emerged. Case
using flexible design research, but of any a case study, providing deep
studies explore ‘bounded systems’,
quantitative data can also be collected. understandings that are beyond what is
particular instances or entities that can
Although organized and systematically generally possible in large-scale survey
be defined by identifiable boundaries
planned prior to data collection, the research (p. 116). Case study results may
(O’Leary, 2004, p. 115). Although
research design of this particular study not be generalized, but are still valuable,
unlikely to provide representations
was not highly specified prior to the main providing supportive evidence for

Methodology mindmap

34

Methodology

theories or debunking theories (p.116). responses and willingness to participate. Upon recruitment of four small offices
This research study is based on the Each workplace in this research study is in both Georgia and Arizona, primary
theory that employees and employers considered a case study. research data collection began. Each
value factors of holistic health in the employee and employer was asked
As a part of this qualitative design
workplace, so a case study strategy is to complete a self-administered link-
research study, ethnography was used
appropriate. This research study does specific survey online, designed by
as a strategy in combination of case
not attempt to generalize findings of this the investigator using Survey Monkey.
studies. Ethnography is seeing things
research study. Employees and employers responded
in the other’s perspective. A professor
to the same survey. The survey consisted
As with other case studies, the four described ethnography as a research
of both open questions and closed
case studies of this research study have strategy used “to write a culture.” It
questions. Some questions were a similar
drawn upon a variety of data collection involves “exploration of the cultural
question asked a different way, so as
methods such as surveys, interviews and group in a bid to understand, discover,
to catch discrepancies. Open ended
observation; and methodologies such describe and interpret a way of life in the
questions are valuable for qualitative
as ethnography (p. 116). This study used point of view of its participants,” which is
research, as they offer space for
surveys, interviews, and observation to essentially what this research study seeks
participants’ opinions and expressions
collect data; and case studies and rapid to do with employees and employers
and participants are not limited to
ethnography methodologies. Four small of small US workplaces (O’Leary, 2004,
answer choices. Coded and analyzed
workplaces in the United States were p. 118). Because this research study
were the closed-ended questions, which
recruited for participation in this research was conducted within five months and
required participants to select answers
study. These four offices provide services traditional ethnographic studies usually
from already provided answer selections,
to either patients or clients (in some demand long term data collection, this
although; most closed questions had an
instances, “clients” is used to represent research study uses rapid ethnography.
“other” answer choice if participants’
patients throughout this research As methods of collecting data with an
felt like further expressing their opinions or
document). Two of these workplaces ethnographic approach, observations,
reasoning for answer choice. Also, some
are financial institutions, both corporate surveys, and interviews were used to
closed questions were followed by open
privately owned franchises; and two collect personal opinions and responses
questions asking for reasons supporting
of these workplaces are privately- from three participants from each
their previous answers. If open questions
owned medical offices, one an office of workplace. One of three participants
were not addressed, interviews provided
chiropractic care and the other an office from each office was an employer, and
opportunities for asking the question
of ophthalmology. In an effort to avoid two participants from each office were
again, and recording of responses.
investigator bias, there were no specific employees. Although more employees
medical or financial office preferences or employers of each office could have As previously mentioned, interviewing
for participant selections. The office participated, each office chose the is “a method of data collection that
selections were random, simply based minimum number of participants to involves researchers asking respondents
on the requirements that each office participate in this research study, three— basically open-ended questions”
hold sedentary work positions within, one employer and two employees. (O’Leary, 2004, p. 162). Using an
and that one of each type (financial interview guide for employers and
This research study began with a
or medical) was located in Maricopa employees, interviews were conducted
research proposal for approval from
County, Arizona, and Glynn County, after receiving consent. Each interview
the human subjects Institutional Review
Georgia. Offices were selected based guide was altered according to survey
Board (IRB) in September of 2010.
on office type specifics, recruitment responses or lack of survey responses per


each participant. Each interview was be a widely understood concept, the a full work day. The mileage recorded
semi-structured and conducted one-on- data collection method observation is supports or illuminates inconsistencies
one with privacy, allowing conversations considered a systematic data collection when compared to previous survey
to flow naturally. Each interview with the method to design researchers and responses regarding participant’s values,
twelve participants lasted anywhere other post-positivist researchers. Should current behaviors, and thoughts on
from thirty minutes to just over one hour further research on these particular case exercise at work.
in duration. These interviews were all studies be of interest to third parties
transcribed verbatim so that findings or other researchers, many digital
could easily be found using a more photographs, notes, and sketches were
strategic process of reading and noting taken and made during the twenty-four
findings that correspond to primary hours of observations at all workplaces.
and secondary research questions. Observations were used to collect data
During interviews, the researcher relies pertaining to primary and secondary
on the interviewee to provide honest research questions. For example, plants,
and open answers (p. 162). This type of both living and artificial, were counted,
data collection necessitates rapport, windows locations, noise levels, tasks,
honesty, and respect between the floor plans, work stations and equipment
researcher and participants. And open, within each participant’s workstation
non-judgmental mind is necessary for a were recorded and measured
successful interview process. appropriately. Observations were also
made with purposes of eliminating and
Prior to interviews, two observation days
discrepancies in survey responses.
of each workplace lasting in duration of
three one-hour intervals were conducted Pedometer readings were used to
so that interview questions could address record mileage walked by each
questions that arose during observations. participant during a typical work day,
Observation is “a systematic method yielding quantitative data. Following all
of data collection that relies on a other data collection methods, each
researcher’s ability to gather data participant was given a pedometer,
through his or her senses” (O’Leary, programmed specifically for his/her
2004, p. 170). When using observations body, as per directions. Weight, height,
as a method of data collection, it is date and time were programmed on
important to consider researcher biases each pedometer according to each
and impact on the observed. Robson participant’s body. Most participants
(1993) notes in “Approaches to Social programmed their own pedometers
Research” that “it has been amply with assistance from a direction booklet;
demonstrated that what observers while I set up others. Pedometers were
‘see’ is not determined simply by the clipped to participant waist bands
characteristics of the thing observed; during the first thirty minutes of arriving
the characteristics and perspective at the office. Participants recorded their
of the observer also have an effect” mileage and or calories, and steps that
(p. 21). Although observations may were measured by the pedometers from

36

Primary Research Findings

Refer to McEwan’s complete are considered by employees and preferred work environment(s). 30.77%
thesis document, published with employers to be the most significant of participants were willing to sacrifice
other dissertations and theses by UMI/ contributors to productivity in the their hours in order to implement their
ProQuest, for a full review of all findings workplace? preferred work environment(s).
and analysis of data. A review of findings
The most popular answer choices to Secondary Research
are linked to primary and secondary
survey question #37 yeilded a finding Questions
research questions which were listed in
representing 84.62% of participants who
the Findings and Opportunities . A) How much does each worker
believed “freedom to move between
currently walk during a typical work day?
Primary Research one social phase and another (from
Questions solitary work to group interaction)” and Participants were recorded through
“music” contributed or would contribute pedometer readings to walk from the
to their personal levels of productivity in least mileage of .33 miles per average
the workplace. work day to the most mileage of 2.66
miles per average work day.
valued by employees and employers in 3) Of the holistic health factors—
the workplace? biophilia, ergonomics and exercise— B) What holistic health programs or
considered in the workplace, which incentives are currently in place?
A majority, ten participants, equally
valued emotional health, physical
employers to be the most significant Three of thirteen participants claimed
health, social health, and spiritual health.
contributors to well-being in the their employers provided ergonomic
Three participants valued emotional
workplace? furniture and equipment in the
health over the physical, social, and workplace. No health programs or
spiritual health, believing all other health A majority of participants, seven incentives were in place in any of
follows emotional health; therefore, participants, felt their workplace lacked the four offices for exercise, weight
biophilia, ergonomics and exercise “opportunity for regular exercise”. No management, alternate transportation
were all considered to be valuable to all participants felt that their workplace to and from work, or pet friendly
participants. A majority of participants, lacked “meaningful change and sensory behaviors.
eight out of thirteen participants, variability”.
preferred to work in a workplace C) What are ideal work
4) At what economic cost are
environment with exercise space and environments?
employees and employers willing to
equipment, serene natural environment
implement their preference of holistic When asked to express their ideal
with outdoor space, and body-conscious
health factor(s) into their place of work? workspaces, participants expressed both
furniture, equipment and workstations.
extreme idealistic work environments
69.23% of participants were unwilling to
2) Of the holistic health factors— and minor adjustments to their existing
sacrifice vacation time, hours, or salary
biophilia, ergonomics and exercise— workplaces. Such ideals included:
or pay cuts in order to implement their
considered in the workplace, which plants, animals, window, lighting,


space, furniture, art, personal items,
environment, color, exercise, food, and
other.

The purpose of secondary research
questions below is to follow-up with
results of the primary research questions.
These questions provide clarifications
and illuminate any inconsistencies
amongst participants’ responses and
actions; people do not always do as
they say they do.

38

Discussion & Conclusion

Word cloud of words
their ideal work environments



Introduction related design involve providing access As a majority of participants felt
to natural environments, body-conscious their workplaces lacked opportunity
This chapter discusses the results of equipment and spaces, as well as for regular exercise, design implications
the data analysis presented in Chapter opportunities for exercise and social involve exercise space and equipment,
four. Topics covered include conclusions interaction. These were exposed as even clothing. Participants were
about the research questions and contributing factors to cognitive, social recorded through pedometer readings
assumption, implications for design and physical health. to walk from the least mileage of .33
and further research. The intent of this miles per average work day to the most
research study is not to apply the findings Value mileage of 2.66 miles per typical work
from the four case studies to other day, representing the more sedentary
The primary research question about
general workplaces, but to illuminate personnel and the more active
value asks: Of the holistic health factors—
what a small population personally thinks personnel.
about their overall well-being in their
workplaces; and how these particular Productivity
valued by employees and employers in
workplaces can attain and promote
the workplace? A majority of participants The primary research question about
holistic health in their workplaces. Future
expressed that they equally valued productivity asked: Of the holistic health
research may build upon this study,
emotional health, physical health, social factors—biophilia, ergonomics and
expanding the participant size and
health, and spiritual health; therefore, exercise—considered in the workplace,
illuminating further thoughts on holistic
indirectly, biophilia, ergonomics and which are considered by employees
health in workplaces. This conclusion
exercise were all considered to be and employers to be the most significant
summary also provides an explanation
valuable to all participants. A majority contributors to productivity in the
of how this research contributes to the
of participants, eight out of thirteen workplace? A marjority of participants
existing bodies of knowledge within the
participants, expressed preferences for believed freedom to move from solitary
fields of interior design, industrial design
a workplace environment with exercise work to group interaction as well as
and fashion design. This research study
space and equipment, serene natural music contributed or would contribute to
proposes that employees and employers
environment with outdoor space, their personal levels of productivity in the
of these four participating workplaces
animals and/or social atmosphere, plants workplace. Office design and planning
desire mobility and resources in the
and natural scenery, and a workplace might include design elements that cater
workplace that support holistic health
environment with body-conscious to social interaction between workplace
practices involving biophilia, ergonomics,
furniture, equipment and workstations. As personnel, as elements and factors that
and exercise. Major design implications
these particular workplace environments influence and accommodate social
for these particular case studies involve
possess elements of the factors biophilia, health have been noted as contributors
accommodating the workplaces to
ergonomics and exercise, all three to productivity in the four participating
provide personnel with opportunities for
factors are considered preferrerences in workplaces of these particular case
holistic health in working environments.
the workplaces of these case studies. studies. Furthermore, the more socially
More specific implications of office
active have been noted to be also the

40


more physically active of workplace cost asked: At what economic cost are breaks needed? Some people don’t
personnel. employees and employers willing to take the time to break or stretch, but
implement their preference of holistic should. As literature review and primary
Well-being health factor(s) into their place of work? research findings illustrate, some people
More than half (69.23%) of participants eat while they work. Does this affect their
The primary research question about
stated they were unwilling to sacrifice productivity or their well-being? Is eating
well-being asked: Of the holistic health
vacation time, hours, salary or pay cuts in lunch while working a bad habit? How
factors—biophilia, ergonomics and
order to implement their preferred work beneficial is this really? Further research
exercise—considered in the workplace,
environment(s). 30.77% of participants could be explored on this subject in
which are considered by employees
were willing to sacrifice their hours in order to find the most efficient and
and employers to be the most significant
order to implement their preferred work proper way to implement exercise and
contributors to well-being in the
environment(s). Participants expressed breaks into workplaces.
workplace?
their willingness to sacrifice hours at work
A majority of participants, seven Current Miles
by sacrificing lunch hour such as with
participants, felt their workplace lacked eating at desks, working while eating Secondary research question about
“opportunity for regular exercise”. No (which Steelcase stated was already miles walked at work asked: How much
participants felt that their workplace occurring in workplaces in 2006, 360 does each worker currently walk during
lacked “meaningful change and article) in order to spend the actual a typical work day? Participants were
sensory variability”. When asked what a “lunch hour” exercising, either at the recorded through pedometer readings
participant thought about how her office office or a nearby gym. Transportation to walk from the least mileage of .33
might incorporate exercise into their time to and from gyms, and shower miles per average work day to the most
workplace, she said, “I don’t see how time at work and during work hours may mileage of 2.66 miles per average work
we could unless we actually took a time not be realistic for all workplaces; so day. The average miles walked during
out of our schedule and made time to the question is, what is the proper, most a typical work day for eight participants
go for a walk or do something other than efficient way to implement exercise into (four participants that were noted as
on our lunch hour”; but that may not the workplace? Vigorous exercise versus borderline introvert/extrovert were
be economically feasible, as she says, mild exercise preferences need to be not included in average calculations)
“that’s taking away from having another determined in order to accommodate were figured to be .78 miles for the less
paying patient coming in which could concerns for sweat, stench and shower socially active and 1.41 miles for the
affect out bottom like and someone time associated with vigorous exercise. more socially active. This data shows
losing a job”. The most efficient way to Mild exercise such as steadily walking that the less social participants walked
incorporate exercise into the workplace, two miles per hour on a treadmill less than the more social participants in
then, seems to be by providing gym Walkstation will not likely involve as many participating workplaces. Seeing as most
memberships, longer lunches, or concerns for hygiene and professional participants felt their workplaces lacked
workstations that accommodate and appearances. opportunities for exercise and the more
offer more body movement, such
socially active personnel were noted as
Regarding breaks, one participant
as treadmill walk stations or sit-stand
more physically active in the workplace,
stated that she did not think she would
working positions.
it may be beneficial for workplaces
still go outside and stretch if she did not
to consider implementing exercises or
Cost take cigarette breaks. Some breaks,
physical activity that less socially active
such as lunch breaks, are mandatory
The primary research question about personnel would feel comfortable with.
in some workplaces. Are mandatory


Incentives and Wellness Walkstation during interviews, at least Ideal Work Environments
Programs two participants expressed interest for
such equipment to their employer. Secondary research question about
Secondary research question ideal work environments asked: What
about existing incentives and wellness Are people aware of their options-- are ideal work environments? Details
programs asked: What holistic health the variety of furniture and equipment of participants’ ideal workspaces were
programs or incentives are currently in available to them? Ten out of twelve gathered to enhance future implications
place? Approximately twenty-three participants had not heard of a treadmill in areas of office design. When asked
percent of participants claimed their workstation. Wellness coaches and to express their ideal workspaces,
employers provided ergonomic furniture ergonomists are professionals who participants expressed both extreme
and equipment in the workplace. No can educate workplace personnel on idealistic work environments and minor
health programs or incentives were healthy work behaviors. Although most adjustments to their existing workplaces.
in place in any of the four offices for participants of this study expressed that Such ideals included elements that have
exercise, weight management, alternate they would prefer to work seated in an been organized into the categories:
transportation to and from work, or pet ordinary chair at a desk of standard plants, animals, window, lighting,
friendly behaviors. All participants stated height (the accommodations of most space, furniture, art, personal items,
that they would bike or walk to/from participants during the time of the environment, color, exercise, food, and
work if they lived closer. study) participants may not have had other. Participants mostly considered
experience with alternative options, elements of space and environment.
If corporate offices offered incentives consequently; they were not truly able If designers and planners were to take
and holistic health programs to their to express interest in alternative work such elements into consideration during
franchise owners, perhaps smaller positions and furniture options. workplace design, at least for these
franchise offices would be more inclined
particular case studies, one might
to offer health programs and incentives Surprisingly, a majority of participants,
consider storage, water features, room
to their employees; this is what the approximately sixty-one percent, felt
layout, material selections, equipment
two franchise workplaces of this study their workplace lacked “opportunity
and furniture. For environmental
suggested. Due to strict corporation for regular exercise”. Hygiene, space
considerations, designers and planners
rules over franchises and little response and time are some factors that may
might accommodate workplaces with
to requests from franchise owners, it hinder workplace exercise, despite the
soothing atmospheres and outdoor
can be difficult for franchise owners to desires for exercise in the workplace.
relationships.
implement holistic health practices and Mild exercise such as steadily walking
programs in their own offices despite two miles per hour on a treadmill Implications for Future
what they feel would be beneficial for workstation will not likely involve as many Research
their employees. Since data collection, concerns for hygiene and professional
appearances as would rigorous exercise Cranz explains (1995) that
I noticed that my conversations with
programs. The most efficient way to workplace designers need to consider
participants, especially the employers,
incorporate exercise into workplaces different ways to sit as well as ways to
have initiated some thought on
may be by providing gym memberships, incorporate a variety of body postures
programs, policy changes, incentives,
longer lunches, more breaks and such as lying, squatting, kneeling,
and design or decor changes that may
workstations that accommodate more standing and sitting into our lives (p. 185,
provide healthier work environments
body movement, such as sit-stand-walk p. 205); but existing positions and reasons
for them, their staff and even their
working stations. for such positions must be explored in
clients or patients. After learning of the

42


order to fully understand how future comparing various work positions would in current workspaces to productivity
research and design knowledge of shed more light on true workplace and well-being in the re-designed or
workplace design can do to improve personnel ergonomic preferences, new work environment adapted to
health and enforce preventative making certain each participant is incorporate holistic health practices
proactive measures for workplace aware of alternative work positions according to participants opinions and
personnel while successfully adapting through experiment experience. desires, which have been recognized in
to rapid global changes, information the data analysis of this study.
With the goals of this qualitative research
and demands of computer technology.
study based on collecting opinions of Future research addressing exercise
Although most participants of this study
employees and employers, this study laid preferences and program specifics in
expressed that they would prefer to work
additional foundation for future studies the workplace would provide valuable
seated in an ordinary chair at a desk of
of workplace health. A future study may information for action research. In
standard height (the accommodations
collect quantitative data from controlled particular, the survey that Waikar and
of most participants during the time of
experiments, monitoring and testing so Bradshaw used to determine whether
the study) participants may not have
as to measure the relationships between twenty-one businesses in southeast
had experience with alternative options,
holistic health factors and productivity Louisiana provide formal exercise
consequently; they were not truly
and well-being. Longer studies using programs or not, the willingness of
able to express interest in alternative
trial and error, involving action research, personnel to participate in formal
work positions and furniture options. A
could focus on evidence based design, exercise programs, and employees’
research study that tests participants
comparing productivity and well-being preferences regarding features of an
work productivity and comfort while

Categories of ideal work
environments with counts
of corresponding elements
mentioned by participants


exercise program (1995) would provide Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern if images of pristine waterfalls and
further beneficial information for United States? The two offices located at rainforests draped in rainbows were
implementation of exercise programs sea level on the east coast—of a humid more common, would fewer people litter
into the specific participating offices subtropical climate, barrier islands, marsh or ignore their innate desire to bond with
of this research study as well as other hammocks, maritime forests, and lush nature, fewer succumbing to materialism
workplaces. More specific questions ecosystems—have a considerably larger and the idea of, “I want it fast and I
would assess personnel preferences such number of plants in their workspaces want it now.”? Would such images
as exercise length, degree, location, than the two offices located in the rocky instill faith; produce more thought and
degree of privacy, embarrassment and dusty southwest Arizona Sonoran consciousness, remorse?
issues, exercise types, and instructions, Desert ecosystem with a subtropical
Implications for Design
as Waikar and Bradshaw determined. arid climate of dessert, succulents and
Although participants were not allowed mountains. What do the findings of this
an option for “other” or open-ended research study mean? “Equipped
Many studies have discovered patterns
responses, Waikar and Bradshaw with good data on which, or how
of human preferences for natural versus
concluded that only three percent many, people are sensitive to lighting,
urban scenes, supporting the genetic
of participants indicated that their spatial arrangements, noise, and other
predisposition of the biophilia hypothesis.
companies have a formal exercise ordinary features of our surroundings,
If there exists an innate desire to be
program; and ninety-seven percent architects, office managers, doctors,
surrounded by plants, do artificial plants
of participants indicated that their and the rest of us will be better able to
fulfill our innate desire for living organisms,
company did not have a formal exercise creative more supportive, personalized
essentially our biophilia predisposition?
program (p. 23). Of that ninety-seven environments” (Gallagher, 1993, p. 18).
This research study shows that although
percent, sixty-nine percent responded As Gallagher has stated, with results of
three participants stated they had no
that they would be willing to participate research studies such as this one, data
preference of natural or artificial plants
in a formal exercise program if one were can be applied within interdisciplinary
in their workplaces, none of the thirteen
offered by their company (p. 24). In design teams, such as when teams
survey participants stated they in fact
order to efficiently implement exercise of design, science and business fields
value artificial plants. Further research
programs into workplaces during working collaborate. Interdisciplinary design
could explore whether artificial plants
hours, further research exploring recent teams could collaborate to provide
fulfill our biophilia needs.
lunch break behaviors would yield valuable insight for office design; such as
valuable information. Beyond the scope of this research study, input from ergonomists, environmental
but somewhat related, future research psychologists, interior designers,
Does climate and geographical
might explore the problem of human- architects and wellness coaches. More
location of an office and its employees
nature disconnect through possible specifically, this chapter discusses
affect the desire for plants within an
ways of improving human relations findings of this research study that
office? This may be a reason for the
with nature through implementation contribute to fields of interior design,
disparity between the numbers of plants
of nature and natural environments in industrial design and fashion design
in the offices at the two geographies
workplace design; yielding the essence in order to create more supportive,
that could also be explored in further
of sustainable design, environmentally personalized work environments that
research. If residing in the southwestern
benign, economically viable and socially help to increase well-being and improve
Sonoran Desert, are personnel less
equitable design (White, St. Pierre & quality of life. As literature review of this
likely to feel a need for indoor plants
Belletire, 2009, cover). For example, research study has demonstrated that
than those residing near the Atlantic

44


elements of biophilia, ergonomics and • and sensory variability it is done the right way.” Interior design
exercise affect peoples’ well-being and industrial design can help address
are believed by participants of this study
and quality of life, perhaps the best this problem of a lack of personal items
as well as other researchers (Gallagher,
way to implement healthy functioning in the workplace. Walls or cubicles
1993; Oseland, 2009; Sternberg, 2009) to
workplaces into US culture is to begin by with personal elements, such as color
improve well-being. Such elements can
changing the design within offices. preferences, built-in photo displays,
be included in the design phase of work
personal or varying works of art, and
Interior Office Design environments in order to promote overall
options for simple choices in decor may
well-being of workplace personnel.
have positive effects on workplace
As stated with literature review,
Also during design and planning
personnel well-being.
today’s workplace demands can be
phases of office design, space should
stressful and harmful for the body and
be considered for implementation Since this research study has recognized
mind; however, relief can be found. Such
of future innovative health programs that living plants are preferred in
things as:
and equipment, as some of the case these work environments over artificial
studies have shown that due to a lack of plants, studying values of plants, both
• freedom to move from solitary work
special requirements for exercise space living and artificial, and the many
to group interaction,
and equipment, they cannot easily manifestations of artificial plants is
• music, implement exercise into their offices. beneficial for understanding human
behavior and emotions. Further research
• opportunities to engage in More supportive and personalized
to be explored on this topic may involve
spontaneous social encounters, environments involve personal
comparing personal preferences of
elements. Personal elements, such as
• opportunity to engage in creativity, artificial plants to living, as well as
colors preferences and photos, have
dead plants to living plants. Beneficial
• self-expression and exploration, been noted in this study to contribute
impacts on the design of workplaces,
to personal productivity, well-being,
contributing to productivity of employers
• appealing visual environments, comfort and productivity in workplaces.
and employees in workplaces, may
Franchises owned by corporate
• regular exercise, come from such research. Designing
businesses enforce rules and regulations
workplaces to provide employees and
• space for body movements such against personal items in workspaces,
employers with access to the inspiring
as exercise, stretching and a variety of however; personnel believe personal
natural environments and associations
working positions, items are conversation pieces and can
with living things, will contribute to
help create humanizing experiences
human innate desire for living organisms.
• furniture and equipment, for clients and patients alike. Two
participants of this study specifically Office design and planning might
• noise levels not much above or
expressed that they felt personal include design elements that cater to
below that in nature,
accessories such as photos help to social interaction between workplace
• personal accessories, humanize and warm the corporate personnel, as elements and factors
environment, helping to establish that influence and accommodate
• plant life, rapport with clients. Personal photos and social health have been noted as
accessories are conversations pieces. contributors to productivity in the four
• association with other species,
“I think it is also warming to the client… participating workplaces of these
• access to outdoor environments, because…it’s a conversation piece if particular case studies. It has been found


that implementing space and varied office equipment could help him himself. He would not want to stand; as
work stations that can accommodate work more comfortably. He expressed he believes it would make his patients
diverse body positions and movement concern for when he must constantly feel rushed, as if he is not genuinely
are favorable approaches in order to turn his back on his patients in order to taking time to listen to them. In such a
promote physical, psychosocial and type information on his laptop computer. case, design elements should not only
psychological health. Incorporating He suggested something like a swing cater to employees and employers
incentives, activities, practices, space arm that provides opportunities for within a work space, but also the other
and equipment that accommodate information input without the need users such as clients and patients.
diverse body positions can and should to turn away from patients. Another
Fashion Design
be incorporated into workplaces through product design implication was
planning and design phases. Designers mentioned through the use of a software Perhaps now that we know all
have the ability and skills to promote program similar to ergonomic software participants of this study within small
health and healing environments that alerts computer users when it is time sedentary workplaces of Arizona and
through interior design and product for a break, showing stretches visually. Georgia expressed a preference of
design, considering the body and After recently learning about balancing exercising at work over before or after
mind; whether through designing for exercises and breathing techniques, work and felt their workplaces were
ergonomics, interspecies interactions or this participant suggested some type lacking opportunities for regular exercise,
exercise. of software that provides balancing they will begin to implement exercise
exercise and breathing technique practices. Exercise practices include
Industrial Design reminders to help her and colleagues clothing considerations. Depending
practice these exercises.
Product design implications on whether people prefer intense
include suggestions from participants exercise or mild exercise in their places
Changing the public and cultural
of this research study. Such product of work, professional attire that allows
traditions may be difficult and take
design include product for body for movement and flexibility as well as
a long time, but one can begin
comfort and exercise. Equipment that a material that absorbs moisture and
implementing change for healthier
accommodates body movement, dries quickly would be more appropriate
behaviors in their own environment, at
flexibility, comfort and enhances than the materials of typical restrictive
work or home. Cranz and Steelcase
productivity (such as the Walkstation pants, skirts, collared or button down
offer creative solutions for healthier
by Steelcase and Dr. James A. Levine) shirts and blouses that can be found
working positions for our bodies,
are some examples of products that in professional wardrobes. Shoes are
through interior design (from lighting
are desired by participants of the case another component of fashion design
to textures) as well as furniture design
studies of this research study. to be considered in order to successfully
(from rocking chairs to sit-stand-walk
implement healthy workplace practices
stations). Accommodations to seating
A participant suggested some type
such as exercise. Shoes that possess
can be made for those who may want
of exercise device be used for leg
professional appeal, yet provide
to rest in a more reclined position as
exercises under the desk while working,
flexibility, support, and other practicalities
they wait—such as while waiting at the
seated. She described something that
would meet the needs of professional
doctor’s office. One participating doctor
you can put underneath a desk to do
dress as well as comfort and support
in particular, mentioned how he would
leg and feet exercises while sitting at
for a variety of practical movements
consider alternative seating positions at
work. Another participant specifically
in the workplace. Such design of both
work, but would want to accommodate
mentioned how a re-design of existing
clothing and accessories for professional
patients with the same seat height as

46


attire should consider sustainable their own personnel’s thoughts on
design initiatives, such as taking into health practices in the workplace;
consideration the materials used and and even begin implementing health
their synthetic or natural qualities, programs that promote psychosocial,
bacteria, dyes, toxins, durability, life physiological and psychological health
cycle, reuse, recyclability, processing whether through weight loss, alternative
methods, harvesting and production. transportation or exercise programs,
ergonomic behaviors, or implementation
Conclusion of elements of biophilia such as water
features, plants or personal items.
As described through literature
review in Chapter two, components
of holistic health are supported by
factors of biophilia, ergonomics, and
exercise, which are believed to be
significant contributors to well-being
and productivity in the workplace.
The intersection of science, design
and research design reveals gaps in
knowledge of workplace health that
can be bridged by future research.
Recognizing employees’ and employers’
perceptions of health and workplace
design have implications for a healthier
workforce and healthier working
environments, productivity gains and
happier people. As an unbiased outside
design researcher I have begun to tackle
the forces that limit the potential of
“such visions of sensual rationality from
becoming our cultural standard” (Cranz,
1995). This research study was produced
out of my desire to improve the well-
being of people through improvements
in the quality of work spaces. The
information presented is a gateway
to the possibilities of implementing
healthier policies and practices into
workplaces that require sedentary work.
Acknowledging the results of this study,
perhaps small sedentary workplaces
within the US will be inspired to inquire


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