Holistic Workplace Health

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

Holistic Workplace Health

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