Complexity and workload factors in virtual work environments of mobile work

  • Authors:

  • Ursula Hyrkkänen;Ari Putkonen;Matti Vartiainen

  • Affiliations:

  • Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland;Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland;Laboratory of Work Psychology and Leadership, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland

  • Venue:
  • EHAWC'07 Proceedings of the 2007 international conference on Ergonomics and health aspects of work with computers
  • Year:
  • 2007

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Abstract

This article concentrates on describing the complexity and work load factors of mobile work done in virtual environments. A qualitative multi case study was carried out. Six mobile employee groups were examined. The data was collected by interviews and questionnaires. A model of complexity factors was used in analyzing the data. The complexity factors interrelated with different types of workload components, i.e. physical, mental and social and, furthermore, they induced distinct workload factors. To reduce the manifestation of the workload factors and to enhance well-being, fundamental requirements for the virtual environment can be presented. At the levels of connection, device and application the issue lies in the transfer capability of communication. Compared to this at the levels of cognitive and cultural factors of the virtual space the question is in the ability of semantic transfer of the message.