A study on the effect of the physical environment of restaurant kitchen on the job satisfaction and work engagement of kitchen staff

This study aims to investigate how the physical environment of restaurant kitchens affects job satisfaction and work engagement among kitchen staff, and to examine the relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement. The results of hypothesis testing revealed the following: First, safety, comfort, and spatial factors all had a significant impact on job satisfaction. Thus,, it was confirmed that job satisfaction among kitchen staff increased when the kitchen environment was safe, comfortable, and convenient. Second, only safety and spatial factors had a positive effect on work engagement in relationship between the physical environment of kitchens and work engagement. Therefore, securing safety and adequate space during cooking tasks can enhance work engagement, while comfort did not have a significant effect on work engagement. Third, it was found that job satisfaction positively influenced work engagement among kitchen staff. In other words, a positive perception of the kitchen environment enhances job satisfaction and serves as an antecedent variable that positively affects work engagement. This study suggests that continuous attention to and management of the physical environment in restaurant kitchens are necessary to improve job satisfaction and work engagement among kitchen staff.