A study of employee attitudes and perceptions of open-plan and enclosed office environments

This study investigated the major elements in the physical office setting that influence employee attitudes about their work environment and determine whether or not, in the employee's opinion, their office supports them in their work activities. The information gained from the study was to be used for recommendations to office planners and companies to assist them in planning facilities that are functional, economical and that support the psychological needs of employees. One hundred and eighty-two employees from three service- and three product-oriented companies responded to an attitudinal questionnaire designed to evaluate the physical features of their office.

The major findings of the study included:

1. There were no differences in the attitudes of employees in service and product companies in the assessment of their offices.

2. Employees in open-plan offices were far less satisfied with their work areas than employees in enclosed offices.

3. Enclosed office employees stated a strong preference for their office design; however, open plan employees had to adjust to less than-satisfactory offices, which in their opinion, did not assist them in the performance of their work.

4. While there were equal numbers of male and female managers and an equal number of males and females who supervised others, according to this study, females had the least desirable offices.