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The New Work Environments Research Group (Groupe de recherche sur les environnements de travail : GRET) has been active since 2000. Unique in Québec – and in Canada – the GRET represents a vital perspective on the buildings we work in and the indoor environments we occupy and use for work. The GRET’s focus is on the human use of interior space. Have you ever been bothered by lighting that makes your eyes sore, indoor air that gives you a sore throat, sitting all day in a chair that makes your back ache, or wasting valuable meeting time running around trying to find a vacant meeting-room? Office workers in most parts of the world have had these experiences and more. Others are enjoying new space with daylit kitchens and friendly coffee bars, plenty of meeting tables and chairs close by, optimal – maybe even adjustable – lighting to help them work on computer screens, and perhaps a small terrace or garden where they can take a break in good weather. A rapidly growing number of researchers are interested in how these and other features of the physical environment affect people at work – not just ‘productivity’ but also morale, engagement, communication…. Knowledge is growing that can help managers, designers and real estate professionals provide a better built environment for people at work. The GRET’s research has made, and continues to make, an important contribution to this effort. Carrying out field studies in buildings in Quebec, other parts of Canada and other parts of the world, the GRET has a unique database of occupants’ ratings of their lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, furniture comfort and building amenities. On this site, you will find links to our publications and to some of our reports, many of which you can download for free! You will find updates on current research – both ours and others’ – on work environments and how they affect people, based on our unique Documentation Center. And you can send us your questions and concerns about workspace: we will do our best to answer promptly.
MISSION The new Work Environments Research Group (GRET) was formed to study and understand user behaviour and psychology in the work environment. Existing within the Interior Design program in the Faculté de l'Aménagement, the GRET's activities contribute to design professionals' knowledge in this area. GRET publications and other mechanisms for disseminating knowledge raise awareness of user issues in workspace design. And researchers who join GRET have an opportunity to pursue person-environment studies and contribute to this field of knowledge.
FINANCING The GRET needs your support in order to carry out its mission. Please consider donating to the GRET – tax receipts are available. In return for financial support, GRET team members may be able to provide useful information, or arrange an analysis of a specific workspace. All financial contributions are applied to
We encourage everyone - especially designers and building industry professionals - to support the GRET and to spread the word. Everyone benefits from a better quality work environment!
ARTICLES ABOUT GRET PROJECTS DOUGHERTY, Sarah (2008), It's not just space; Experts are employing architecture, psychology and neuroscience to spread the gospel about the high price we pay for poor work environments, Montreal Gazette, Sat Jul 12 IMMEN , Wallace (2009), Building a better life on the cubicle farm, Globe and Mail, October 16 LAMBERT-CHAN, Marie (2007), Le stress professionnel est en partie lié à l'espace de travail - Un meilleur aménagement des bureaux améliore la productivité, Forum, Université de Montréal, vol. 41, no 29, mai 7, p.1 LAMBERT-CHAN, Marie (2007), Le confort au travail, une priorité, La Presse, 8 septembre. DANSEREAU, Suzanne (2007), Stressé? Repensez votre environnement de travail, Les Affaires, 11 aôut. BARIL, Daniel (2004), Jacqueline Vischer tisse des liens entre le design et les comportements, Forum, Université de Montréal, vol. 39, no 3, September 13, p. 4
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