Cognitive Task Demands, Self-Control Demands and the Mental Well-Being of Office Workers

Keywords: Cognitive Demands, Self-Control, Mental Well-Being, Open Office, Frustration

The Study: This study explored how cognitive demands and self-control requirements affect the mental well-being of office workers. Data were collected from 196 employees in two office layouts (open-plan and traditional) using questionnaires assessing workload, psychosocial environment, and mental and physical health. The aim was to assess whether the effects of cognitive and self-control demands on well-being are influenced by office design.

Main Findings: Cognitive and self-control demands were associated with higher psychological strain and need for recovery after work, but not with physical well-being. The interaction between these two demands showed the strongest relation to mental strain, especially in open-plan offices. Frustration at work was the cognitive factor with the most harmful effect on mental health. Lack of privacy and increased self-control in open environments intensified the impact of cognitive demands.

Practical Implications: The study highlights that office design can amplify cognitive and emotional stress. Creating more private workspaces, reducing frustration in tasks, and enhancing employee autonomy can be effective strategies to protect mental health in demanding work settings.

Reference: Bridger, R.S., & Brasher, K. (2011). Cognitive task demands, self-control demands and the mental well-being of office workers. Ergonomics, 54(9), 830–839. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2011.596948

Bridger & Brasher, 2011.pdf

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