The Effects of Green Building Workspace Design on the Performance of Employees

Companies over the years embarked on initiatives intended to ensure that building designs and techniques enhance office environments that also enhance productivity and attract more employees. As a result, buildings are designed in such a way that they reduce downtime and the office designs consider employees as the main users of space. Previous studies conducted have emphasised on the impact of the physical office environment on occupants, and as such, a wide range of variables must be taken into account while ensuring comfort and well-being of occupants (Haynes, 2007; Martens, 2011; Parkin, et al., 2011). The focus on the physical office environment has predominately given attention to the design of office layouts that promote comfort to the occupants (Haynes, 2008). The aim of this research is to explore the effects of workspace design and performance of employees in green buildings as compared to those in conventional offices (buildings). The work environment has been identified to influence employee satisfaction and work performance. In order to develop and provide work environments that meet the preferences of as many employees as possible, more information about user preferences and possible preference differences between different kinds of users is required. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding concerning office users' work environment preferences. The aim is to investigate whether there are differences in the preferences of office users based on their age, gender, their mobility, and whether they work individually or with others. A mixed-method-approach was used consisting of interviews, observations and a survey. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews while statistical analysis was used for the survey. The analysis gives an indication that green buildings generally outperform conventional buildings in most of the aspects of IEQ. By virtue of a better level of satisfaction by occupants in green buildings, there is a justification in literature that occupants’ satisfaction leads to employees productivity and perform without hesitation due to an environment that encourage pleasant workspaces. The research is limited to City of Johannesburg the findings may not apply to other areas. Further studies is needed in other areas to see if there will be similarities or differences. The paper provides useful information to developers, space planners and Human Resources in knowing some of the issues that affect employees’ productivity and the importance of green buildings.