Association between real-time noise exposure in broader activity contexts and job satisfaction: Evidence from Guangzhou, China

Numerous studies have examined the relationship between workplace-based stationary sound levels and people's work satisfaction. However, few have considered individual-based dynamic sound levels in broader pre-work activity contexts, such as homes and commuting routes besides workplaces. To address this research gap, this study applied the temporality of environmental exposure and examined the time-lagged and cumulative effects of sound levels of pre-work activities in different activity contexts on people's work satisfaction. Individual-based continuous sound levels data and context-based work satisfaction data were collected using portable sound level sensors, Global Positioning Systems, and activity diary data. Partial least squares path analysis was used to examine the effect pathways of sound levels in broader activity contexts on people's work satisfaction. The study found that (1) Sound levels during work had a significant negative direct effect on people's work satisfaction. (2) Sound levels from pre-work commuting exhibited negative direct time-lagged effects on people's work satisfaction, while sound levels during pre-work dining had a positive direct time-lagged effect. (3) Sound levels during pre-work sleep had a significant negative indirect time-lagged effect on people's work satisfaction, mediated by sleep satisfaction. (4) Sound levels during pre-work commuting significantly strengthened the negative effects of sound levels during work on people's work satisfaction, whereas sound levels during dining significantly weakened these negative effects. These results indicate that individual-based mobile sound levels sensing can effectively capture exposure across various activity contexts and help examine its association with people's work satisfaction.