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

Jan Gerard Hoendervanger, Nico van Yperen, Mark P. Mobach, Casper Albers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology
Volume65
Publication statusPublished - 27 Aug 2019

Keywords

  • office work
  • psychology
  • wellbeing
  • activity based working
  • open office
  • cellular office

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