The effects of wind-induced building motion on occupant wellbeing and work performance

This paper presents findings from two studies showing that individual susceptibility to motion sickness moderates the effect of building motion on symptoms of motion sickness. While highly susceptible individuals indicate a preference to avoid working in tall buildings, they are no less likely to work in tall buildings than the least susceptible individuals. During building motion, participants report low-dose motion sickness (tiredness, low motivation and distraction) at levels 2-3 times the baseline rate. High levels of motion sickness reduce work performance by up to 0.90 standard deviations below baseline. Affected individuals attempt to manage their own discomfort, and indicate a preference to work a different location during motion, take 30-40% longer breaks, and attempt to self-medicate.