Study backs positive office atmosphere

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 10-08-2011

A study has highlighted the benefits of a positive working environment, something that can be boosted with thoughtful office design and space planning.

The research claimed there are long-term health benefits for people working in a friendly environment who get on well with their colleagues.

Workers who believe they have the backing of their co-workers are likely to live for longer than those who don't, according to the study.

Dr Sharon Toker, of the Department of Organizational Behavior at Tel Aviv University, said: "We spend most of our waking hours at work, and we don't have much time to meet our friends during the weekdays. Work should be a place where people can get necessary emotional support."

The study analysed the health records of 820 people who worked an average of 8.8 hours over 20 years.

It found that people who had little support from colleagues were 2.4 times more likely to die within that two-decade period.

The study was published in the journal Health Psychology.