Back in the 1920s, the Western Electric Co. conducted a series of experiments to determine the relationship between lighting and productivity. The expectation was that test results would encourage industries to use artificial lighting in place of natural light. Researchers were surprised to find that productivity increased in both the group that had been provided improved lighting and those who continued to work in a poorly lit environment.

Then they conducted a second series of studies to determine how working hours, rest periods, bonus incentives and supervision affected workers' productivity. The conclusion was that although these factors had an impact, the attitudes of the employees experiencing the factors were of greater significance.

Related: Read "Raise the Bar"

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