Analyzing the impact of indoor environmental quality on physiological responses and work performance: Implications for IEQ control strategies

This study aims to analyze the effects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors with simultaneous changes in illuminance and noise levels on building occupants' physiological response and work performance. To this end, four scenarios with changes in illuminance and noise levels were set up, and brain wave indices and work performance measured through a Stroop test were conducted during the scenarios. First, the findings revealed that noise and the interaction between illuminance and noise affect the building occupants' physiological response. Second, the illuminance was 150 lux, and the noise level was 40 dB, there was a correlation between the relative theta (0.685; p < .05) at the F3 location on the scalp and the average reaction time. Lastly, a comparison was made between psychologically preferred IEQ, IEQ when the physiological response is excellent, and IEQ when work performance is excellent. IEQ when the physiological response is excellent showed a high correlation with psychologically preferred IEQ, and it had a higher correlation with IEQ when work performance is excellent than psychologically preferred IEQ. Hence, an IEQ control strategy based on the physiological responses is necessary to improve work performance. It is expected to enhance building occupants’ work performance, health, and comfort.