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Workplace environmental conditions and life satisfaction in Spain

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  • García-Mainar, Inmaculada
  • Montuenga, Víctor M.
  • Navarro-Paniagua, María

Abstract

This paper expands the research on subjective well-being and outdoor environmental conditions by considering environmental conditions indoors. Specifically, we examine the impact on life satisfaction of self-perceived levels of air and noise pollution in the workplace. We provide a monetary valuation of these environmental conditions, using the life-satisfaction approach. Our results demonstrate that poor air quality and high noise levels in the workplace markedly diminish life satisfaction. This holds even after we control for potential endogeneity arising from simultaneity of self-perceived workplace environmental variables and life satisfaction, by employing an instrumental variable strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • García-Mainar, Inmaculada & Montuenga, Víctor M. & Navarro-Paniagua, María, 2015. "Workplace environmental conditions and life satisfaction in Spain," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 136-146.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:119:y:2015:i:c:p:136-146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2015.08.017
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    4. Arik Levinson, "undated". "Happiness and Air Pollution," Working Papers gueconwpa~20-23-10, Georgetown University, Department of Economics.
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