Differences in employee satisfaction in new versus traditional work environments

Abstract

New Ways of Working (NewWoW) are popular for increasing employee and organisational effectiveness. Facility management (FM) aligns by aiming for higher levels of employee satisfaction and cost savings with introducing the shared features and facilities of activity based working (ABW). However, lack of proof of desired advantages of NewWoW is feeding a more reserved attitude towards NewWoW. Previous studies on employee satisfaction have used either single case studies or focus on one country. Also, many studies do not distinguish clearly between features and facilities. This study aims to identify differences between traditional and ABW environments in supporting workplace satisfaction. Questionnaires amongst 47,913 office employees, mainly in Western European organizations, provided answers on 31 workplace features, fifteen facilities and employee satisfaction in the period 2010-2014. Respondents were split in two groups: ABW environments versus traditional work environments. Factor analyses identified ten components of the work environment that influence satisfaction. Independent samples t-tests were used to identify significant differences between both groups on their satisfaction with the work environment factors. Besides ‘ICT & equipment’, all factors showed significant differences in satisfaction between both groups. NewWoW employees are more satisfied with seclusion rooms, climate, decor, cleanliness and leisure. The traditional work environments show higher levels of satisfaction with desk/chair, privacy, storage and general facilities. These results provide FM with insight how to increase satisfaction in both types of offices.