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Author Jennifer Langer, Andrew Smith & Jim Taylour |
| Abstract Open-plan office layouts are commonly used due to perceived economic benefits; however, studies have shown negative occupant wellbeing outcomes associated with this office type. A recent trend in open-plan office design is activity-based, or agile working, which has been associated with positive occupant outcomes. Open-plan offices can vary in features and design, and the present study explored how improving occupants' environment may affect their psychological wellbeing. This case study investigated changes in office workers' environmental satisfaction and psychological wellbeing outcomes after their agile working, open-plan office was redesigned. Environmental satisfaction of occupants increased significantly after the office redesign by 31%, and nine out of 11 environmental satisfaction items were rated significantly higher. After the redesign, occupants reported significantly less control over their job and support from colleagues, and significantly more often feeling anxious or depressed because of work. There were no significant changes in other aspects of psychological wellbeing measured (job demands, stress at work, job satisfaction, fatigue, job performance, life / work balance, and happiness at work). At the time of the post office design measures, there were some changes occurring in the office due to company expansion, which may have affected the results. This study suggests that increased environmental satisfaction alone, may be insufficient to improve employees' psychological wellbeing, and other factors, such as work demands and stressors, need to be considered. |
