Influence of indoor environmental quality on the self-estimated performance of office workers in the tropical wet and hot climate of Cameroon

The aim of this research is to carry out a meticulous statistical analysis of the impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on self-estimated performanceof workers in the tropical region. An experimental study and questionnaires were adapted in102 offices distributed across 23 buildings in the wet regions of Cameroon. This work was conducted during two seasons (dry and rainy seasons) by using a new adaptive approach in naturally ventilated environments, in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE55), International Standardization Organization (ISO7730), and ISO 10551. The wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, and the CO₂ levels were assessed, and 600 questionnaires were distributed simultaneously. The results showed that the indoor air has an important effect on the office workers’ productivity. The self-estimated performance increases when the temperature is between 17.5 and 23.4 °C. The optimum performance was noted when the thermal sensation vote was neutral; meanwhile, the total thermal discomfort was recorded above 28 °C, which drastically reduced the worker's performance.