A study conducted across 50 companies found that employees who had some control over their workspace—such as choosing their desk location or adjusting lighting—reported 32% higher job satisfaction than those in standardized environments. The researchers noted that even minor choices, like selecting a plant for one's desk, correlated with improved productivity metrics.
The passage suggests that
all employees prefer plants in their workspaces
having autonomy over one's environment can positively affect work performance
companies should eliminate all standardized office designs
lighting is the most important factor in workplace satisfaction
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The study shows a correlation between workplace control and positive outcomes.
- Context clues: Control over workspace led to "32% higher job satisfaction" and "improved productivity metrics."
- Meaning: The connection between autonomy and better outcomes suggests a positive effect.
- Verify: Even "minor choices" correlated with improvement, supporting the autonomy-performance link.
💡 Strategy: Research findings about correlations often imply cause-effect relationships.
Choice A is incorrect because the plant is just one example, not a universal preference. Choice C is incorrect because this extreme conclusion goes beyond the study's implications. Choice D is incorrect because lighting is mentioned as one factor among several.