Understanding Work Environments and Cognitive Performance
An analysis of how various aspects of work environments, such as noise and lighting, impact cognitive performance and professional productivity.
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The 51%/63%/56% eyestrain/headache/drowsiness statistics are real but are misattributed. They come from Alan Hedge's Cornell University 'Daylight and the Workplace Study' (commissioned by View Dynamic Glass, published circa 2018), not from a Heschong Mahone Group 'Daylighting in Schools' follow-up study in 2003. Heschong Mahone's actual research measured different outcomes (test scores, retail sales) and did not report these eyestrain/headache/drowsiness figures. The Harvard T.H. Chan / COGfx study on green building ventilation and cognitive function found scores were approximately 101% higher (roughly doubled) in green buildings with enhanced ventilation versus conventional environments, not 61% higher.
Before<p><em>"Workers in daylit environments reported a 51% drop in the incidence of eyestrain, a 63% drop in the incidence of headaches, and a 56% reduction in drowsiness."</em> - Heschong Mahone Group, <em>Daylighting in Schools</em> follow-up study, 2003</p>
After<p><em>"Workers in daylit environments reported a 51% drop in the incidence of eyestrain, a 63% drop in the incidence of headaches, and a 56% reduction in drowsiness."</em> - Alan Hedge, Cornell University, <em>Daylight and the Workplace Study</em>, 2018</p>
Why: 2 issues fixed: The 51%/63%/56% eyestrain/headache/drowsiness statistics are real but are misattributed. They come from Alan Hedge's Cornell University 'Daylight and the Workplace Study' (commissioned by View Dynamic Glass, published circa 2018), not from a Heschong Mahone Group 'Daylighting in Schools' follow-up study in 2003. Heschong Mahone's actual research measured different outcomes (test scores, retail sales) and did not report these eyestrain/headache/drowsiness figures. | The Harvard T.H. Chan / COGfx study on green building ventilation and cognitive function found scores were approximately 101% higher (roughly doubled) in green buildings with enhanced ventilation versus conventional environments, not 61% higher.
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