USACERL SR FF-94/28

17

© Glare is sometimes a problem. It occurs most often when an overhead
light is improperly located. Certain areas of the facility also experi-
enced glare problems from overhead light fixtures being in the wrong
position or when workstations were located near windows.

© Fluorescent lights are slightly more preferable than incandescent
light.

© There is an extremely high preference for windows. Those experienc-
ing glare from windows indicated they would rather deal with glare
than not have a window. Those that did not have windows indicated
a desire for them.

© Workers working in their shadow was an occasional problem.
Comments indicated that workers could control this deficiency when
task lights were provided.

= Chart 4: Workstation Environment - Lighting Conditions

Lighting is one of the more successful aspects of the current facility. Overall
light levels generally appear to be adequate for most tasks, although certain
areas of the building have light levels that are too bright. Light levels for
conversing appear almost ideal. The most variation occurred between the
tasks of reading a computer screen and writing/reading. In most cases, light
was slightly bright for reading the computer screen, and slightly dim for
writing/reading documents. This is of interest because often these tasks
occur simultaneously, and could be a reason why control of individual light
elements ranked so highly.

Temperature and Related Conditions at the Workstation

TM Chart 5: Specific Temperature Conditions

This chart shows employees’ perception of temperature and is rather
deceptive. It rates temperature conditions near satisfactory. But according
to comments, and further verified in later charts, achieving satisfactory
temperature conditions was the second largest problem facing the current
facility. Comments indicated the facility experienced severe temperature
problems that varied depending on workstation location. As a result, the
overall perception of temperature appears to be “just right.”



USACERL SR FF-94/28

11

levels and increasing task lighting over worksurfaces may increase
overall satisfaction and reduce energy and operating costs.

@ Task Lighting

© Location of Fixtures
Users provided with task lighting had the highest satisfaction level.
This again makes a strong argument for lowering ambient light levels
and increasing task lighting. Task lighting should be provided under
storage bins located above worksurfaces.

Temperature and Air Quality

Temperature is a major problem in the work environment. In some areas it
fluctuated drastically, in other areas it was extremely cold, and in other parts of
the building it was extremely hot. Those that were most satisfied with tempera-
ture commented their area was not as bad as other locations.

Occupants are more satisfied with air quality than temperature. The largest
problems were with stale, dusty air. Stuffiness, also a problem, may be partially
attributed to high heat levels. There were relatively few health problems that
could be attributed to the building's mechanical system. The following items need
special attention because they may affect temperature and/or air quality in office
environments.

= Interior Partitions

© Height
Partition height can drastically affect the facility's overall tempera-
ture, air circulation, and air quality. Higher partitions inhibit air
flow, and enclosed offices must be individually supplied. The
recommended partition height of 65 inches provides the best balance
between heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency;
privacy; and vertical storage capability.

© Location
Partition proximity to supply/return ducts affects the building climate.
When air supply/return is lowered (i.e., along window walls),
partitions should be shorter and set away from the duct so as to not
impede air flow. Often, individuals are affected (too cold, too hot) if
their kneespace is located near an air supply duct. In this instance,



USACERL SR FF-94/28 21

= Chart 18: Doing the Work: Self Ratings

Charts 18 and 19 verify survey results and locate the strengths and weak-
nesses of the workforce. Chart 18 shows overall high self ratings. Frequency
of Errors and Creativity have the lowest overall ratings (although they are
still fairly high), and could be improved.

= Chart 19: Doing the Work: Rating Co-Workers

Chart 19 is very similar to chart 18, indicating there are no real problems
with the perception of the workforce. Overall coworker ratings are slightly
lower than the overall self ratings in Chart 19, especially when ranking
Responsibilities and Dependability. Comments were made that a “few bad
ones spoil it for everyone,” and this could account for the lower ratings.

Satisfaction

= Chart 20: Satisfaction with Aspects of Your Work
Overall, satisfaction levels ranked fairly high. Extremely high satisfaction
levels were given to:

© Co-workers.

© The freedom to make one’s own decisions.

© Working in the Albuquerque District.

© The amount of supervision given.

O The quality of supervision.
Lowest satisfaction ratings indicated the employees were slightly dissatisfied
with the amount of space they were given. They were also indifferent to the
arrangement of their workspace and their workstation in general. Therefore,

the greatest impact to quality of life can be made by modifying the built
environment.



REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE

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1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave Blank)

2. REPORT DATE
July 1994

3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

inal

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Evaluating Office Environments: Overall Survey Results for the Corps of
Engineers Albuquerque District

6. AUTHOR(S)

Simone Demirjian Beazly and Douglas C. Heinen

5. FUNDING NUMBERS:
FEAP
FF-FL4

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL)

P.O. Box 9005
Champaign, IL 61826-9005

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
REPORT NUMBER

FF-94/28

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District

ATTN: CESWA-ED-T

Albuquerque, NM_ 87103-1580

10, SPONSORING / MONITORING
AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES:

Copies are available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal

1 Road, Springfield, VA 22161.

12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

73. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

Before designing a new facility, designers need to analyze the existing facility and its use. This tesearch focuses on
the facility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District and is based on a survey conducted in March
1994 to identify employee concerns and design issues that affect the “quality of life” for District employees. This

report contains a summary of the survey results and design recommendations based on input from the entire District

office.

14, SUBJECT TERMS
office layout

work environment
office environment

Albuquerque District

17, SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
OF REPORT

Unclassified

78. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
OF THIS PAGE
Unclassified

19, SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
OF ABSTRACT
Unclassified

15. NUMBER OF PAGES
34

16. PRICE CODE

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

SAR

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andard Form 208 (Rev. 2-80)
Prescribed by ANSI Std 239-18
298-102



32

USACERL SR FF-94/28

USACERL DISTRIBUTION

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ATTN: CEHEC-IM-LH (2)
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18 USACERL SR FF-94/28

= Chart 6: Workstation Temperature Conditions

This chart shows frequent temperature problems at the workstations.
Workstations located directly by windows had problems with the sun making
worksurfaces too hot. Two major problems were temperature stability and
unpredictability. About 40 percent of the comments referred to unstable
(unsatisfactory) temperature conditions, and 50 percent of the comments
reported the temperature as rarely satisfactory. This high dissatisfaction
level further questions the validity of Chart 5.

Workstation Air Quality

= Chart 7: Workstation Air Quality

This chart indicates how noticeable common air toxins are. Tobacco smoke
is relatively infrequent, mostly due to the facility's nonsmoking policy.
Comments concerning tobacco smoke were directed to designated smoking
areas (cafeteria). Unpleasant odors are somewhat more frequent, and consist
of cooking and burned popcorn. Dust is the largest problem, but is still
relatively infrequent.

= Chart 8: Winter/Summer Air Quality

Chart 8 shows how air quality is perceived during the winter and summer.
Most problems occur during the summer, when air is perceived as stale. Air
is also perceived as somewhat stuffy and dry during the summer. During the
winter, this dryness increases, while the staleness of the air slightly
decreases. Stuffiness also decreases during the winter, almost approaching
the “just right” condition. Overall, air quality ratings are favorable in the
existing facility.

Workstation Acoustics

® Chart 9: Workstation Acoustics
The survey indicated that acoustics is the main area of concern in the
_existing facility. The two largest sources of noise are from air ducts and
other people talking. This noise posed severe problems for people while they
were on the phone or trying to concentrate on their work. This may bea
source of lowering productivity, as some work (calculations or analysis)
require high levels of concentration. Another source of acoustical disturbance
was noise from typewriters/printers. This problem was typically solved by
moving the equipment to a remote location. Other forms of acoustical



Specific Temperature Conditions - Overall District
Too Hot Just Right

Too Cold

Afternoon

Morning

Different Times

Winter

Summer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Perception of the Temperature

Chart 5: Specific Temperature Conditions

Workstation Temperature Conditions - Overall District

Temperature Too Hot |.

Temperature Stable

Temperature Conditions

Temperature Satisfactory

Always Sometimes

Never

Frequency of Occurrence of Temperature Conditions

Chart 6: Workstation Temperature Conditions

24



20

USACERL SR FF-94/28

© Positive perception of comfortable chairs and stable worksurfaces.

© Workstation appearance could be improved. This is the most negative
aspect of workstation perception.

= Chart 14: Workstation Behaviors

Chart 14 summarizes work habits so designs will actually relate to current
work habits, and be adopted by workers. It shows that users tend to adjust
parts of their workstation and furnishings (chair height/back, keyboard,
computer screens, etc) more frequently than they adjust building components
(thermostat, windows, etc.). This is supported by comments indicating
occupants were less prone to make adjustments (turn off and on overhead
lights) when it affected co-workers. Low levels of adjustment may also result
from limitations discussed in Chart 11, and may be an indication that there
are fewer problems with these aspects of the workstation.

= Chart 15: For Your Job

This chart is primarily used for programming and space planning. It shows
responses to questions regarding both work habits and overall building
conditions in order to optimize workflow. Related survey questions asked
about what type of access (e.g., visual, acoustic) to co-workers is required and
about control of the workspace (e.g., lighting, ventilation). Chart 15 also
verifies previous survey results. For example, questions about acoustics are
rated most important, further supporting the facility's low acoustical
performance ratings.

= Chart 16: Physical Work Experiences:

Productivity levels can be affected by the amount of time lost from worker
absenteeism/sick leave. Chart 16 pinpoints areas of concern by asking users
about health related issues. Overall, very little productivity is lost due to
health-related issues. Nasal congestion and eye irritation are the most
predominant factors, but are still relatively infrequent occurrences.

® Chart 17: Emotional Experiences

_Like health related issues, stress and satisfaction can also affect productivity

levels. Chart 17 is an indicator of stress and satisfaction levels of workers.
It shows that stress indicators (being inadequately trained, being over-
worked, being distracted by the phone, and being cramped/crowded) have
very low ratings. Satisfaction indicators (feeling excited, feeling involved,
feeling energetic) have much higher ratings. When combined, these two
results act to boost productivity.



USACERL SR FF-94/28

15

Taller panels (80-inch) will make a space appear smaller, therefore
65-inch high partitions are recommended. Glass partitions can also
be used to “open” space, by allowing natural light and a “view,” both
in and out of the workstation.

O° Privacy
Lack of acoustical and visual privacy lowered satisfaction ratings.
(See previous discussions on how to increase overall privacy levels in
the new facility.)

= Workstation Control

The Survey indicated that user control played a key role in satisfaction
ratings. Control was more important at the workstation level than at the
overall facility level. The following are some suggestions for increasing user
control:

© Arrangement

The ability to arrange one’s space to operate more efficiently can
drastically increase worker efficiency. Some workers operate more
efficiently with a front to back arrangement, while others operate
better with a front to side arrangement. It is recommended that
workstations be set up to allow the user to place his/her materials in
a variety of configurations. Task lighting provided should allow the
worksurface to be lit, not the computer monitor. Accessories such as
tackboards and marker boards should be specified for easy relocation.
Mobile pedestals give the user control over arrangement, although the
pedestals have high initial costs.

oO Adjustability

The Survey also showed employees have a high preference for
adjustability. Those who could control the location of light were the
most satisfied with lighting. There was also a High Frequency of
Occurrence with adjustability at the workstation level. If employees
could adjust it, they did. Therefore, products specified in the
workstation should provide a high level of adjustability; for example,
adjustable task lighting, chairs, keyboard drawers, etc.



USACERL SR FF-94/28

Conclusions and Recommendations

The information in this report is from the data obtained specifically from the
Albuquerque District employees. It should be used for the design of individual
workspaces as well as overall building design. This first section contains
summary issues that the professional research staff at USACERL determined by
analyzing the data. The recommendations are specific issues that should be part
of the users’ functional requirements.

Workstation Activities

The Survey concluded that the majority of an employee's time is spent at his/her
workstation, working the computer, with slightly more time spent reading and
writing than in conversation. A significant amount of time is lost during the day
due to interruptions and distractions. Survey results indicate this affects the
amount of work done (typically, workers are caught up on work only 50 percent
of the time). Improvement efforts should concentrate on increasing worker
efficiency at the workstation and adapting the workplace to the computer. The
following paragraphs suggest areas of improvement.

TM Increase Workstation Efficiency

© Worksurfaces
Worksurfaces are used in a variety of ways (reference tables, layout
areas, writing surfaces, etc.), and must accommodate a wide range of
paper sizes. At least one

worksurface should have
a minimum 30-inch depth
(preferably 36-inch) to
accommodate large draw-
ings. Arrange the work-
surfaces using an L- or U-

shaped layout for easy \ |
reach (Figure 1). Work-

surfaces should have 36 Conventional Conventional
inches between them for L-shaped front-to-back
conventional front-to-back

Figure 1. Workstation layouts.



Emotional Experiences - Overall District

Feeling Excited =

Inadequately Trained

Contro! Work Pace

Emotional Experiences

Never Sometimes Always

Frequency of Occurrence of Emotional Problems

Chart 17: Emotional Experiences

_
Doing the Work: Self Ratings - Overall District

Work Accomplished
Quality of Work
Meeting Deadlines |
Frequency of Errors

Responsibilities

Rating Factors

Creativity

Getting Along
with Others

Dependability

t 1
Neither Absolutely

Absolutely Not
Ideal

Acceptable
How Do You Rate Yourself?

Chart 18: Doing the Work: Self Ratings


Workstation Spatial Characteristics

Too Little Just Right Too Much
Space Adjacent |
to Computer
Privacy Provided |
5 ronal fe pcs
3a Personal Items
=
: Shelving |
8
5 File Space Po
3)
s Floor Area ee
s
=]
3 Writing Surface eee sl
Z
5 Worksurface Pee |
=
Adjusting Furniture ere |
Re-arranging Furniture eae
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Perception of Workstation's Spatial Characteristics
Chart 11: Workstation Spatial Characteristics
General Workstation Perceptions - Combined Results
Just Right
Too
? Too
Public Private
a
e
2
=4
3
5
é Too Too
5 Drab Colorful
8
2
3
= Too Too
Large Cramped
5 9

Perception of Workstation

Chart 12: General Workstation Perceptions

27



USACERL SR FF-94/28

Contents

GF29B ee een nent net e nents 1
Foreword 00.0.0... tenn e ene ete renee 2
Introduction... 0.6. ete tenn enter teens
Background .
Objective 2.0... eee teen eens
Order of Presentation :
Points of Contact 2.0.00... ccc eee eee nett e een eee
Conclusions and Recommendations ..............- ese reece reenter eee 7
Workstation Activities see see 7
Lighting 2.2... cece eee ee ee tenet tenes 9
Temperature and Air Quality
Acoustics
Worker Satisfaction 0.0... cece tenets 14
Data nee n eee e nee etter eee

Activities and Experiences

Lighting Conditions at the Workstation

Temperature and Related Conditions at the Workstation : .
Workstation Air Quality 0.0.00... cece eee eee ene ete ees
Workstation Acoustics ©0002... 6. e cere eter tte e eee eens
Workstation Characteristics .
Satisfaction 0.0... cece eee een eee eee etter ee

DISTRIBUTION



2 USACERL SR FF-94/28

Foreword

This study was conducted for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District
under the Facilities Engineering Application Program (FEAP), Work Unit FF-FL4,
“Office Evaluation Survey Instrument.” The technical monitor was Kim Zahm,
CESWA-ED-T.

The work was performed by the Facility Management Division (FF) of the
Infrastructure Laboratory (FL), U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research
Laboratories (USACERL). Alan Moore is Chief, CECER-FF, and Dr. David M.
Joncich is Acting Chief, CECER-FL. The assistance of USACERL employees
Douglas Boesen, Victoria McCleary, Jennifer Wetzel, and Todd Pardon is greatly
appreciated.

LTC David J. Rehbein is Commander and Acting Director of USACERL, and Dr.
Michael J. O’Connor is Technical Director.


16 USACERL SR FF-94/28

Data

Survey data obtained from the users was grouped into the following categories,
and compiled into a series of charts. These charts are located at the end of this
report; explanations are found below.

Activities and Experiences

= Chart 1: Workstation Activities

This chart shows workers spend the majority of their time (over 80%) at their
workstations. The surveys indicate that supervisors and division chiefs spent
considerably less time in their workstations than other employees. Of the
amount of time spent in the workplace:

© The majority of the workday is spent working on the computer,

© There is an equal distribution of time spent reading and writing
papers,

© Approximately one fourth of the workday is spent in either direct or
telephone conversation.

= Chart 2: Workstation Activities

This chart is significant because it indicates the amount of distraction in the
workplace is extremely high; 35 to 40 percent of an average work week has
some form of interruption or distraction. Furthermore, workers are caught
up on work only 50 percent of the time in an average work week. Comments
indicated work involves high levels of concentration, and this low rating may
be due in part to high levels of distraction.

Lighting Conditions at the Workstation

= Chart 3: Workstation Environment - Lighting Conditions

The most favorable reactions to light involved being able to control its
intensity, amount, and direction. Chart 3 indicates overall -lighting
conditions and preferences for the existing facility. It specifically shows:


6 USACERL SR FF-94/28

Points of Contact

USACERL: Ms. Simone Demirjian Beazly (217)352-6511, ext. 7357
Mr. Douglas C. Heinen (217)373-6716

CESWA: Mr. Kim Zahm (505)766-2613



Workstation Activities - Overall District

At Your Workstation
In Conference Rooms
In Other Locations
Using a Computer
Using a Typewriter
Reading Papers |

Activities

Writing Papers |.
Drawing, Illustrating

In Direct Conversation

In Phone Conversation

100

(0) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Average Percentage of Time Spent....
Chart 1: Workstation Activities
Workstation Activities - Overall District
Interuption
O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Average Percentage of Time
These Activities Occur in a Week

Chart 2: Workstation Activities
22



|

US Army Corps

of Engineers

Construction Engineering
Research Laboratories

USACERL Special Report FF-94/28
July 1994

Evaluating Office Environments: Overall
Survey Results for the Corps of Engineers
Albuquerque District

by

Simone Demirjian Beazly
Douglas C. Heinen

19041097 044

Before designing a new facility, designers need to analyze the existing facility and its use. This research focuses
‘on the facility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District and is based on a survey conducted in

March 1994 to identify employee concerns and design issues that affect the “quality of life” for District employees.
This report contains a summary of the survey results and design recommendations based on input from the entire

District office.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.



USACERL SR FF-94/28

not have to bend his/her neck, or squint. Larger monitors will require
greater viewing distances (around 24 inches for a 17-inch monitor).
Monitors may be located at a 45 degree angle in the corner of the
workstation to accommodate the narrower worksurface depths. CPUs
can be located directly under the monitor or elsewhere under the
worksurface to accommodate different monitor viewing heights.
Worksurfaces should be directly adjacent to the monitor (use an L- or
U-shaped layout) and be of ample dimensions for reference materials
(large drawings, documents, etc.). Adjustable ergonomically sensitive
keyboard trays are highly recommended; however, if the keyboard is
located on the worksurface, increase the worksurface depth.

O Panel Arrangement

A minimum 65-inch high panel is recommended, so that computer
monitors can fit under panel-hung storage units. Pre-wired panels
and panels with raceways are recommended to accommodate multiple
cabling. Typically, four to five workstations are run on a single
circuit, and the panels’ power strips can accommodate up to three
different circuits. Power poles can be located in the center of a
workstation, and cabling run in either direction from that point.

O° Storage

Panel-mounted overhead storage needs to be high enough to provide
clear space for monitors. Typically, a 17-inch monitor requires 21
inches of clear space. Storage bins are taller than shelving units due
to the door on the unit. Because of this, shelving units allow more
vertical space above the worksurface. Panel-hung storage units
provide easy access to reference items, and use the work station's wall
space. With the ability to close the door on storage bins, usually
clutter can be minimized in each workstation.

Lighting

The Survey indicated overall building light levels were, for the most part,
sufficient. Occasionally individuals were bothered by the amount of light, or glare
from fixtures located directly overhead. The most favorable lighting comments
came from those who were in control of both their ambient and task lights. Areas
of concern are as follows:



USACERL SR FF-94/28

arrangements. They should also be 30 to 34 inches in height if a
keyboard drawer is being used. If no keyboard tray is used, maintain
a height of 29 inches.

© Panel Arrangement
Panel arrangement can be used to increase privacy by staggering
openings to workstations located across from each other. The use of
65-inch high partitions as a minimum is also recommended to
increase acoustic/visual privacy. Higher panels (72 to 80 inches) can
be used to better delineate zones, branches, or sections. Where visual,
not acoustic, contact is needed, the use of partitions with glass inserts
is recommended. These partitions can be outfitted with adjustable
blinds to provide privacy. Panels should be arranged so the worksta-
tion opening is in the center of a wall. This will facilitate U-shaped
workstation arrangements (putting everything within arm’s reach),
and increase panel stability, especially when using panel-hung
overhead storage. To help eliminate unwanted distractions, entry to
workstations should not occur along major or well traveled corridors.

O° Storage
Currently, many sections have files located within individual
workstations. Joint use of these files is a main source of interrup-
tion/distraction. For these sections, centralized group filing areas
should be provided.

Use of panel-hung storage components (storage bins, in-out boxes,
paper sorters, etc.) will increase the usable floor and worksurface area
in individual workstations . Tackable panels or boards help eliminate
desktop clutter. Low (two-drawer) filing cabinets can also be used as
worksurfaces.

= Adapting the Workplace to the Computer

The survey showed much time is spent on the computer (over 60 percent of
the workday). Therefore, workstations should be widely adaptable (use
adjustable chairs, keyboard drawers, adjustable lighting, etc.) to the
individual user. This will help eliminate fatigue and increase worker
efficiency.

© Worksurfaces
Worksurfaces should be deep enough to accommodate a computer
monitor, with a viewing distance and height such that the user does



Visual Access to Co-workers.
Easy Ability to Talk to Co-workers
Visual Privacy from Co-workers
Acoustic Privacy from Co-workers
Control of Light

Control of Ventilation

Control of Temperature

Control of Sound

Characteristic

Controlling Who Enters Workstation
Controlling Workstation Arrangement
Working in a Room with Others
Working in a Room Alone

Easy Access to Lounge

For Your Job - Overall District

Very Important

Headaches
Nausea

Respitory Problems ¥

Contact Lens

ti
Irritation

Feeling Dizzy [9

=
ay ere

Health Problems

Throat Irritation

Wrist/Arm
Soreness

Lower Back
Soreness

Neck/Shoulder {f
Soreness fi

Neither

Level of Importance

Not Important

Chart 16: Physical Work Experiences

t i
‘Sometimes
Frequency of Occurrence of Health Problems at Work

29



Characteristics

Perceptions of Workstation Characteristics - Overall District

Worksurfaces Poorly
Arranged

Furniture Poorly Arranged

Concentration Required

People Make My
Job Enjoyable

Chair is Comfortable

Stable Worksurfaces 73

Partitions are Attractive

Strongly Agree Neither Strongly Disagree

Level of Agreement

Chart 13:

Perceptions of Workstation Characteristics

Behavior

Workstation Behaviors - Overall District

Adjust Parts of Workstation
Adjust Chair Height
Adjust Chair Back
Adjust Keyboard Za

Adjust Thermostat

Use a Space Heater /

Use an Electric Fan
Open Window for Air
Open Blinds/Curtains
Adjust Artificial Light
Adjust Computer Screen

Delay a Task

Never Sometimes

Frequency of Occurrence of Workstation Behavior

Always

Chart 14:

Workstation Behaviors

28


USACERL SR FF-94/28

Introduction

Background

Before designing a new facility, designers need to analyze the existing facility and
its use. This research focuses on design issues that affect the “quality of life” for
the employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District. It
concentrates on the facility as a whole, and is based on the data generated from
the “Evaluating Office Environments Survey” administered in March 1994 by the
U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL). Sup-
porting reports are being compiled to illustrate specific division/branch/section
responses to the survey.

Objective

The objectives of this research were to define employees’ concerns and design
issues that need to be taken into account when designing a new facility at the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, and to offer design recommenda-
tions to address the concerns and issues.

Order of Presentation

This report is presented in two sections. The first section, Conclusions and
Recommendations, summarizes the Survey results and presents detailed
suggestions on improving the quality of life in the new facility. The second
section, Data, is a technical analysis of the Survey results. Graphical data is
presented and evaluated based on previous USACERL studies’ and user comments
found in the Survey.

* Heinen, Douglas C., Simone N. Demirjian, Todd A. Pardon, Blessing F. Adeoye, James R. Anderson, and
Susan Weidemann, Technical Report (TR) FF-94/20, The Value of Interior Design, A Description of the Benefits
of Applying Interior Design Principles to U.S. Army Facilities (U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research
Laboratories [USACERL] May, 1994); Anderson, James R., Sue Weidemann, Douglas C. Heinen, Blessing F.
Adeoye, and Simone Demirjian Beazly, TR FF-94/22, Evaluating Office Environments: A Case Study
(USACERL, May 1994).



USACERL SR FF-94/28

19

disturbance (hum from light fixtures, office copiers, mechanical equipment)
were less frequent. Overall, the facility is perceived as rather noisy.

Workstation Characteristics

= Chart 10: Workstation Control

As mentioned, worker satisfaction levels were highest when they were given
control over elements of their workplace. Chart 10 shows how the worker
evaluated his/her ability to control certain elements of their workstation.
Results show overall very low levels of control, especially with temperature,
ventilation, and sound. This substantiates earlier findings that temperature
and acoustics were areas that need improvement.

® Chart 11: Workstation Spatial Characteristics

This chart helps pinpoint inadequate aspects of current workstation design.
It indicates current workstations are limited in all areas, especially in terms
of privacy and adjustable furnishings. There is typically too little space
provided to perform various tasks. The amount of writing space provided
comes closest to approaching ideal. This may be because computers are
heavily used, and the amount of space for writing is not as critical to overall
performance.

® Chart 12: General Workstation Perceptions

This chart verifies previous survey results. It shows deficiencies in work-
station privacy levels, appearance, and spatial characteristics, and again
indicates workstations are too public, and too cramped. Since the survey
asked about perceived workstation characteristics, results can be altered
through the use of interior design.

= Chart 13: Perceptions of Workstation Characteristics

Chart 13 is another verification chart. The survey responses that resulted
in this chart asked workers to evaluate certain perceived characteristics of
their workstations and workplace. It validates the following:

© Workers are indifferent to current furniture arrangements, although
many were concerned that new worksurfaces would have insufficient
width for laying out drawings.

© Jobs often require high levels of concentration.

© High satisfaction level with co-workers.



Workstation Air Quality - Overall District

Unpleasant Odors

Tobacco Smoke

Dust in the Air

Air Quality Conditions

Air Quality
Satisfactory

Always Sometimes Never
Frequency of Occurrence of Air Quality Conditions

Chart 7: Workstation Air Quality

Winter/Summer Air Quality - Overall District

Just Right
Too Fresh ill | Too Stale

: iy
=
3
€
6
> Too Drafty Too Stuffy
&
3
0
<

Too Dry Too Humid

Wi Winter
1 5 9
Perception of Air Quality Wi summer

Chart 8: Winter/Summer Air Quality

25



i. General Comments. (Indicate what you think should be changed to make this report and future
reports of this type more responsive to your needs, more usable, improve readability, etc.)

5. If you would like to be contacted by the personnel who prepared this report to raise specific questions
or discuss the topic, please fill in the following information.

Name:

Telephone Number:

Organization Address:

6. Please mail the completed form to:

Department of the Army

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORIES
ATTN: CECER-IMT

P.O. Box 9005

Champaign, IL 61826-9005


12 USACERL SR FF-94/28

low panels should be provided between the individual and the air
supply duct.

@ Windows

© Control
Direct light can cause worksurfaces to become too hot. Adjustable
blinds will provide additional control for individuals. Air quality can
also be controlled with operable windows.

Acoustics

Acoustics was identified as the largest problem area in the existing facility.
Acoustical privacy was important, not because of confidentiality, but because high
noise levels made it extremely difficult to do business over the telephone and do
work that required high levels of concentration (analysis, calculations, etc.). Noise
from air ducts and others talking is almost constant. The following are sugges-
tions in improving the acoustical performance of the facility.

= Partitions

© Height

Sound can be controlled by varying partition heights, with full floor
to ceiling partitions being the most effective in controlling acoustics.
However, there are several problems with providing full height
partitions throughout a facility (HVAC control, spatial flexibility,
reconstruction costs), and therefore partial height partitions are
generally more efficient from a facility management standpoint. It is
recommended that 65-inch high partitions be used extensively
throughout the facility, with taller (80-inch) partitions used when
additional vertical storage space or visual screening is required.
Experience has shown the height difference (between 65- and 80-inch
partitions) is not significantly effective in controlling sound transfer-
ence.

© Insulation
Sound control insulation can be specified in the partitions. It is less
effective in movable panels, than when installed in drywall partition
walls, but experience has shown individuals can perceive a difference.
(Note that there is a difference between sound insulation and thermal
insulation, so be sure what is being installed is what was specified.)



14 USACERL SR FF-94/28

Worker Satisfaction

The Survey indicated rather high satisfaction levels for the overall quality of life
in the Albuquerque District. This is substantiated by the overall high Self and Co-
worker ratings. Workers were most dissatisfied with the amount of space, the
arrangement of their workspace, and their workstation. It is also interesting to
note that individuals with more control over elements of their workstation had
higher overall satisfaction levels. The new environment must concentrate on
increasing satisfaction levels.

®TM Workstation Characteristics

Design efforts should manipulate the perception of space, making it appear
larger and increasing its quality. This can be done as follows:

O Appearance
Survey results indicated the overall appearance of the facility could
be improved. Improvements can be made by changing the color
scheme and updating furnishings. Selecting a light overall color
scheme with accent colors will make the space appear larger. Options
for updating furnishings include:

Refurbishing existing furniture: electrostatically painting metal
desks, files, panels, reupholstering existing chairs, and panels,
Purchasing “new” refurbished furniture, or

Purchasing new furniture.

° Size
The amount of space provided in individual workstations had the
lowest overall satisfaction levels. Some of this may be due to poor
furniture arrangement, clutter, etc. Eliminating long corridors, or
breaking up the corridors with the use of color/patterns will make a
space appear larger.

Increasing the amount of usable floor space through the use of
vertical components (panel-mounted storage bins) will also increase
space. The location of the workstation's entry opening also plays a
role in usable floor area — a centralized entry point will allow U-
shaped furniture arrangements, and generally will allow more linear
feet of worksurface. Shared files should be moved out of the worksta-
tion and put into group storage areas, again increasing usable space.



USER EVALUATION OF REPORT

REFERENCE: USACERL Special Report FF-94/28, Evaluating Office Environments: Overall Survey
Results for the Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District

Please take a few minutes to answer the questions below, tear out this sheet, and return it to USACERL.
As user of this report, your customer comments will provide USACERL with information essential for
improving future reports.

1. Does this report satisfy a need? (Comment on purpose, related project, or other area of interest for
which report will be used.)

2. How, specifically, is the report being used? (Information source, design data or procedure,
management procedure, source of ideas, etc.)

3. Has the information in this report led to any quantitative savings as far as manhours/contract dollars
saved, operating costs avoided, cfficiencies achieved, ctc.? If so, please elaborate.

4. What is your evaluation of this report in the following areas?

a. Presentation:

b. Completeness:.

c, Easy to Understand:

d, Easy to Implement:

e. Adequate Reference Material:

f. Relates to Area of Interest:

g. Did the report meet your expectations?

h. Does the report raise unanswered questions?



Aware of Glare

Un-natural Color

Like Flourescent

Like Incandescent

Work in my Shadow

Prefer Window

Lighting Conditions

‘Wrong Fixture’s
Position

Sufficient Control
of Light

Satisfied with
Task Lighting

Satisfied with
‘Overhead Lighting

¢
Always

Chart 3: Workstation Environment - Lighting

Too Dim

Sometimes
Frequency of Occurrence of Lighting Conditions

Workstation Environment - Overall District

Just Right

Too Bright

General Light Level

Conversing

Writing on a Desktop

Activities

Reading a Computer
Screen

Reading Documents

3

Chart 4: Workstation Environment -

3 4 5 6
Adequacy of Lighting for Acti

ighting Conditions

23



The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication,
or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an
official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products.
The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official
Department of the Army position, unless so designated by other authorized
documents.

DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED

DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR


Doing the Work: Rating Co-Workers - Overall District

Work Accomplished
Quality of Work
Meeting Deadlines
Frequency of Errors |g

Responsibilities

Rating Factor

Absolutely Not .
Acceptable Neither

How Do You Rate Your Co-Worker

Absolutely
Ideal

Chart 19: Doing the Work: Rating Co-Workers

Satisfaction with Aspects of Your Work - Overall District

Arrangement of
Workspace
Amount of
Space
Amount of
Supervision
Quality of
Supervision
Freedom tof
Make Decisions

Co-Workers

Aspects of Your Work

Workstation

Working Here

Very Dissatisfied Neither

Level of Satisfaction

Very Satisfied

Chart 20: Satisfaction with Aspects of Your Work

3



Workstation Acoustics - Overall District

Noise from Ducts |-

Others Talking

Hum from Light
Fixtures

Office Copiers

Typwriters, Printers

Acoustical Conditions

Mechanical Equipment

Acoustic Quality
Satisfactory

Always Sometimes Never

Frequency of Occurrence of Acoustical
Conditions

Chart 9: Workstation Acoustics

Workstation Control - Overall District
Too Little Just Right Too Much

Light Levels

Temperature

Ventilation

Sound Distraction

Workstation Elements

Visual Distraction

1 5 9

Ability to Control Workstation Elements

Chart 10: Workstation Control
26



USACERL SR FF-94/28

® Use of Natural Light

O° Preference

As anticipated, natural light is preferred by everyone. Even when a
nearby window caused glare, workers would rather cope with glare
than not have access to natural light. The design should focus on
bringing more natural light to all, without sacrificing privacy. One
way to increase natural light is to pull all of the workstations away
from the window. In this way, everyone gets a window. Another way
to deal with this problem is to provide glass panels/windows in the
workstations located along the exterior. Natural light can then
penetrate into the interior building space. Adjustable blinds on the
glass panels can provide privacy to individual workstations when
needed or can reduce glare.

© Glare

Glare from natural light sources was sometimes a problem, and
depended on the time of day and location of the computer monitor.
Relocating the monitor will solve this problem, but may involve
rewiring workstations. Some other solutions include providing
adjustable blinds on windows, providing a hood over the monitor,
and/or providing a filter on the screen. The latter two recommenda-
tions will also help reduce glare from ambient light sources.

= Ambient Light

O° Glare

Ambient light levels generally were adequate, especially for convers-
ing. However, ambient light levels were slightly too bright for using
a computer, and glare on the computer monitor was a problem. Glare
may be simply and inexpensively solved by providing a diffusing lens
or a fine eggcrate diffuser over the fixture. Either method can
sufficiently diffuse light for computer use, unless a workstation one
is located directly under the fixture. As mentioned, glare on computer
monitors can also be eliminated or reduced by providing a hood over
the monitor or a filter on the screen.

© Shadows
Shadows created on worksurfaces from storage bins or people was a
minor problem that was often solved at the individual level by putting
task lighting under storage bins. Employees with task lighting were
most satisfied with lighting in the facility. Lowering ambient light


USACERL SR FF-94/28

13

= Ceilings

© Transmission Control

The majority of noise transmission occurs through the ceiling.
Therefore, specifying an acoustical ceiling tile with a high sound
transmission class (STC) rating will improve the facility's overall
acoustical performance through sound absorption. Acoustical per-
formance can also be improved by laying sound insulation above the
ceiling tiles. This option needs to be coordinated with cabling and
HVAC systems, especially if the space is being used as a plenum.

= Floor Covering

© Carpeting
Acoustical performance can also be improved by using sound
absorbing material such as carpeting instead of vinyl-coated tile
(VCT) or other hard surfaces. Floor coverings in high traffic areas
should be stain resistant carpet. If access to the floor is needed,
specify carpet tiles.

TM Space Planning

© Group Areas

The Survey indicated acoustical problems were caused when group
areas (copy machines, plotters, files, break areas, printers, etc.) were
located adjacent to workstations. When these areas were moved away
from workstations, satisfaction levels increased. This may be why
there is a low preference for break areas to be located near
workstations. It is recommended that group areas be provided for
printers, copy machines, etc, and they be located away from
entrances to workstations.

© Workstation Arrangements
Acoustical privacy can be enhanced through workstation arrangement.
Eliminating workstation entrances from main corridors, using parti-
tions to separate sections/branches, and varying partition heights all
help diffuse noise and improve the acoustic quality of the facility.
Voice mail also helps eliminate phone noise due to unanswered
phones.