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.