Structural equation modeling of office environment quality,sick building syndrome,and musculoskeletal complaints on aggregate satisfaction of office workers

This study aims to analyze the effects of office environment quality (OEQ), sick building syndrome (SBS), and musculoskeletal complaints on aggregate office satisfaction level using the structural equation. A questionnaire survey targeting 483 office workers of 18 public agencies was conducted and surveyed on workers’ characteristics (gender, age, work experience, work hours, and computer time of day), OEQ satisfaction level (temperature and humidity, lighting, noise, and air quality), SBS frequency (eye, noise, throat, skin, and headache), musculoskeletal complaints intensity (neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, waist, and leg), and aggregate office satisfaction level. As a result of the model using the structural equation, the level of OEQ on temperature and humidity, noise, and air quality directly affect the level of SBS frequency. Also, the OEQ level indirectly affects both musculoskeletal complaints’ intensity and aggregate office satisfaction level via the level of SBS frequency. Thus, providing pleasant office environments can be an effective measure to enhance office workers’ satisfaction, because workers’ levels for musculoskeletal complaints and aggregate office satisfaction depend on OEQ and SBS levels.