Perceived fit in activity-based work environments and its impact on satisfaction and performance

Activity-based work environments are widely adopted; however, research shows mixed findings regarding privacy issues, satisfaction with the work environment, and task performance. To further our understanding, two complementary studies drawing on Person-Environment fit theory were conducted: (1) A field study using experience sampling, and (2) A lab study in a virtual reality studio. The results from both studies confirm that perceived fit is a function of activity, work setting, and personal need for privacy, with indirect effects on satisfaction with the work environment (Studies 1 and 2) and task performance (Study 2). Across both studies, a misfit was perceived particularly among workers high in personal need for privacy when performing high-complexity tasks in an open office work setting. Hence, we recommend that organizations facilitate and stimulate their workers to create better fits between activities, work settings, and personal characteristics

Flexibility in use:Switching behaviour and satisfaction in activity-based work environments

Purpose – Despite their growing popularity among organisations, satisfaction with Activity-Based Work (ABW) environments is found to be below expectations. Research also suggests that workers typically do not switch frequently, or not at all, between different activity settings. Hence, in the present research, the two main questions were: (1) Is switching behaviour related to satisfaction with ABW environments? (2) Which factors may explain switching behaviour? Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire data provided by users of ABW environments (n = 3,189) were used to carry out ANOVA and logistic regression analyses. Findings – Satisfaction ratings of the 4% of the respondents who switched several times a day appeared to be significantly above average. Switching frequency was found to be positively related to heterogeneity of the activity profile, share of communication work, and external mobility. Practical implications – Our findings suggest that satisfaction with ABW environments might be enhanced by stimulating workers to switch more frequently. However, as strong objections against switching were observed and switching frequently does not seem to be compatible with all work patterns, this will presumably not work for everyone. Many workers are likely to be more satisfied if provided with an assigned (multifunctional) workstation. Originality/value – In a large sample, clear evidence was found for relationships between behavioural aspects and appreciation of ABW environments that had not been studied previously

Individual differences in satisfaction with activity-based work environments

<div><p>Satisfaction with activity-based work environments (ABW environments) often falls short of expectations, with striking differences among individual workers. A better understanding of these differences may provide clues for optimising satisfaction with ABW environments and associated organisational outcomes. The current study was designed to examine how specific psychological needs, job characteristics, and demographic variables relate to satisfaction with ABW environments. Survey data collected at seven organizations in the Netherlands (<i>N</i> = 551) were examined using correlation and regression analyses. Significant correlates of satisfaction with ABW environments were found: need for relatedness (positive), need for privacy (negative), job autonomy (positive), social interaction (positive), internal mobility (positive), and age (negative). Need for privacy appeared to be a powerful predictor of individual differences in satisfaction with ABW environments. These findings underline the importance of providing work environments that allow for different work styles, in alignment with different psychological need strengths, job characteristics, and demographic variables. Improving privacy, especially for older workers and for workers high in need for privacy, seems key to optimizing satisfaction with ABW environments.</p></div

Descriptive statistics for the included continuous variables.

<p>Descriptive statistics for the included continuous variables.</p

Results of the final regression model.

<p>Results of the final regression model.</p

Steps in the model selection procedure.

<p>Steps in the model selection procedure.</p

Descriptive information about the included organizations.

<p>Descriptive information about the included organizations.</p