Kirsten Brown
I wanted to be part of the Faculty of Health to bring rigour and the expertise of a health...
Key research areas/interests: Health and wellbeing in the workplace
Principal Supervisor: Professor Christine Duffield
Summary of research project
‘Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace’
The objective of this study is to understand the individual preferences of various designed elements or interventions in office workers that affect their physical health. There is a current gap between evidence of successful interventions that are health positive and some current workplace environments so exploring the reasons for this disconnection could provide valuable insight and the basis for improvements in the future.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
UTS is a progressive university and I wanted to be part of the Faculty of Health to bring rigour and the expertise of a health professional/researcher. I have a second Supervisor from the Faculty of Built Environment to bring expertise of the indoor environmental quality.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?
If we gain insight into understanding what individuals need to improve their physical health, this could inform professionals in workplace design and implementation. To collect this evidence, firstly, we need to understand from industry professionals the current processes and influences of workplace design and implementation which will provide an understanding of why health of individuals may not be fully considered and prioritised. Secondly, collecting broader evidence of what is important to individuals could provide valuable insights into future health positive office work spaces. This study aims to gather a deeper understanding of these values to inform future workplace consultants to improve satisfaction and outcomes when it comes to employee physical health.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
The user or occupant response to the interior environment is dynamic, interactive and unique to individuals so understanding the preference and perception of office workers’ may provide a basis for practical considerations when designing and creating workplaces of the future. I hope to develop some guidelines or principles for those involved in the design and implementation of workplace, which will facilitate workplace designs that support workers’ good health.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
I put a proposal together and reached out to various people and was contacted by the Faculty of Health and met with Christine Duffield.
What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
It has been really valuable to learn from others, hear about other research, and meet and connect with many highly skilled and experienced people that are out of my professional work network. I have learnt many new skills in addition to new knowledge and insights.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
Meet as many people as you can and draw on the skills and knowledge of the various faculty members.
