The Relationship Between Indoor Environmental Conditions and Personnel Well-Being in Healthcare Facilities: A Narrative Review and Practical Recommendations

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in healthcare facilities influences personnel well-being, yet staff are frequently exposed to environmental conditions that are less than optimal. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on three key IEQ factors – noise, thermal comfort, and lighting – and their psychological and physiological impact on healthcare workers. Hospital noise levels often exceed recommended limits and are associated with annoyance, stress, and cardiovascular activation. Thermal conditions are frequently perceived as too warm for staff, although both heat and cold can elicit stress responses. Adequate and appropriate lighting supports circadian regulation, alertness, and performance, particularly for shift workers. For each domain, the review outlines practical recommendations for sensor-based measurement in healthcare facilities. Together, these insights underscore the importance of integrating environmental monitoring into strategies aimed at improving the well-being of healthcare personnel.