Users’ perception of the physical work environment in Covenant University

Abstract

Office users within higher institutions in Nigeria have been facing several challenges regarding the condition of their offices ranging from abstract concept like office orientation and positioning, to how conducive the office environment is for work. This condition may include unbalanced room temperature, inadequate ventilation and absence of efficient day lighting amongst others. This paper examined the condition of physical work environment of lecturers in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 183 questionnaires were administered, and a response rate of 72% was achieved and used for the study. Data collected was analysed with the use of Relative Agreement Index. Having assessed the condition of the physical work environment of lecturers using five of the essential features of a physical work environment, which are: ventilation, lighting, color, noise and indoor plants, the result showed that majority of the respondents were satisfied generally with the physical work environment in the University. However, with respect to each of the individual feature, they expressed a number of dissatisfaction – some offices do not have access to daylight, neither can they access natural ventilation, some other do not have window view, amongst other displeasures. The study recommends that since the Physical Work Environment (PHE) plays a very important role in an office for organizational survival, and for enhancing employees’ productivity, the University Management should consider retrofitting the offices that need to be made adequate for employees’ productivity.