Mental workload task modeled on office work: Focusing on the flow state for well-being
Chie Kurosaka1, Hiroyuki Kuraoka2, Takashi Maruyama3
1Department of Human, Information and Life Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Plos One
|September 6, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a practical mental task to induce a flow state, aiding concentration and well-being for desk workers. Real-time evaluation of this flow state can enhance work efficiency and mental stability.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Desk work can lead to stress and reduced well-being.
- Objective evaluation of optimal work states, like the flow state, is needed to support workers.
- Real-time flow state assessment may improve concentration, efficiency, and mental stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively evaluate the flow state during desk work using physiological measurements.
- To develop and validate a mental task capable of inducing a flow state.
- To support workers' mental health and well-being through enhanced work environments.
Main Methods:
- A field survey of 55 desk workers identified job details and stress relationships.
- Development of a practical mental task modeled on daily work to induce flow state.
- Empirical experiments with 35 participants evaluated task usefulness, flow induction, and individual characteristics.
Main Results:
- The developed mental task is practical for concentrated, goal-directed efforts.
- The task demonstrated the ability to induce a flow state in participants.
- Subjective assessment, task performance, and flow state degree were analyzed.
Conclusions:
- The developed mental task is a viable tool for inducing flow states in work settings.
- Adjusting task difficulty and implementing effective feedback are crucial for optimizing flow induction.
- This research provides a foundation for using physiological data to support worker well-being.
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