Assessing the Influence of Ambient Features on Staff Satisfaction in the Healthcare Environment

Abstract

The influence of ambient features on staff satisfaction in a healthcare environment is gaining recognition as an essential component of overall well-being. While traditional healthcare design is largely focused on patient care, there is a growing emphasis on creating environments that support staff satisfaction. Although there is extensive research on the relationship between ambient conditions and outcomes in various healthcare settings, it is unclear whether these results are consistent across diverse settings. As a result, this study aims to holistically explore the relationships and interdependencies between ambient features and staff satisfaction in a healthcare setting, prioritizing the factors that most influence satisfaction. The literature review identified a wide range of ambient features that impact healthcare environment staff, including natural light, artificial light, smell, acoustics, temperature, humidity, air quality, and music. A mixed-method design was conducted, incorporating a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews administered across seven private hospitals. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys, whereas qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Statistical techniques such as ANOVA, correlation, and regression were used to examine the relationships between demographic factors and satisfaction. The results ranked the satisfaction factors as follows: smell, air quality, temperature, natural light, humidity, artificial lighting, music and acoustics. As a result, the study identifies ambient features that have a significant impact on staff and strongly recommends implementing interventions to increase satisfaction among healthcare professionals. Healthcare administrators and policymakers can utilize these findings to enhance ambient conditions in healthcare facilities, promoting high-quality treatment while improving satisfaction.