Post-occupancy studies of an office environment: Energy performance and occupantsʹ satisfaction

It is generally accepted that the physical workplace environment affects employeesʹ satisfaction and, consequently, their perceived productivity and well-being. This study investigated whether employee “satisfaction” variables can predict perceived productivity, well-being and enjoyment at work, and if so, to what extent. The study also explored whether limiting employeesʹ control over their environment could save energy without compromising employeesʹ satisfaction and perceived productivity. Pre-occupancy and post-occupancy evaluation studies were conducted, in terms of both energy consumption and employee perceptions, to make comparisons between a companyʹs old and current headquarters buildings, both located in the same area of London. The results showed that employees were more satisfied with their work environment at their new HQ, in general, than with that of their previous office. Also, employeesʹ self-reported productivity, well-being and enjoyment at work improved after the move. It was revealed that the combination of employeesʹ level of satisfaction with “interior use of space” and “physical conditions” was the best predictor of their perceived productivity, while satisfaction with “indoor facilities” was not a good predictor. In terms of energy performance, although the new HQʹs energy consumption per m2 was significantly less than that of the previous building, there was still a gap between the refurbishment design target and the actual performance of the building. The findings suggest that this gap could be due to a number of factors, including an ineffective use of interior space, and occupantsʹ behaviour.