Refurbishment of an open-plan office – Environmental and job satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide evidence that there is a relationship between the quality of the physical environment and employee satisfaction.A quasi-field experiment was conducted in an open-plan office of 135 employees. The office was refurbished in various ways to achieve e.g. better thermal conditions, visual and acoustic privacy, ergonomics, interior design, and lower spatial density. All employees were sent a questionnaire twice: before and after the refurbishment. The physical measurements were also conducted twice.Significant improvements were found in nearly all inquired aspects of environmental satisfaction. They could be logically traced to the physical changes provided by the refurbishment. The improvements could also be supported by the physical measurements. Both environmental and job satisfaction were improved. Qualified change management, involvement of employees and carefully designed refurbishment agenda were together believed to be the main reasons for the improvement of job satisfaction.