Working here makes me sick! The consequences of sick building syndrome

Abstract

This study investigates the consequences of sick building syndrome (SBS) by extending previous research on its impact on employee behaviours and attitudes. The article examines the effect of working in sick buildings on employees' organisational citizenship behaviours, absence, stress, burnout and job satisfaction. We report the findings from a survey of police officers working in air-conditioned buildings in the Caribbean region. The study draws on social exchange and social relations theories to develop hypotheses on the impact of SBS on employee well-being and extra-role behaviours. The findings provide partial support for the hypotheses with SBS associated with reduced employee well-being and absence but not with organisational citizenship behaviour. The implications of these findings, limitations of the study and further research considerations are discussed. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.