In the government, health, and tertiary education sectors of many countries including New Zealand, workplace design is changing from the provision of individual offices for employees, to shared or open-plan…
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Summary
We undertook a review of recent research into the effects of workplace design, comparing individual with shared workspaces, on the health of employees. Our review found that, compared with individual offices, shared or open-plan office space is not beneficial to employees’ health, with consistent findings of deleterious effects on staff health, wellbeing and productivity. The findings of our review are consistent with those of earlier reviews. These findings have public health implications for the New Zealand workforce. Decisions about workplace design should include weighing the short-term financial benefits of open-plan or shared workspaces against the significant harms, including increased sickness absence, lower job satisfaction and productivity, and possible threats to recruitment and retention of staff.
Abstract
Aim
To carry out a systematic review of recent research into the effects of workplace design, comparing individual with shared workspaces, on the health of employees.
Method
The research question was “Does workplace design (specifically individual offices compared with shared workspaces) affect the health of workers?” A literature search limited to articles published between 2000 and 2017 was undertaken. A systematic review was carried out, and the findings of the reviewed studies grouped into themes according to the primary outcomes measured in the studies.
Results
The literature search identified 15 relevant studies addressing health effects of shared or open-plan offices compared with individual offices. Our systematic review found that, compared with individual offices, shared or open-plan office space is not beneficial to employees’ health, with consistent findings of deleterious effects on staff health, wellbeing and productivity. Our findings are also consistent with those of earlier reviews.
Conclusion
These findings have public health implications for the New Zealand workforce. Decisions about workplace design should include weighing the short-term financial benefits of open-plan or shared workspaces against the significant harms, including increased sickness absence, lower job satisfaction and productivity, and possible threats to recruitment and retention of staff.
Author Information
Ann Richardson, Professor, Wayne Francis Cancer Epidemiology Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch; John Potter, Adjunct Professor, Wayne Francis Cancer Epidemiology Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch; Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Health, Wellington; Margaret Paterson, Health Sciences Librarian, University Library, University of Canterbury, Christchurch;
Thomas Harding, Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch; Gaye Tyler-Merrick, Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch;
Ray Kirk, Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch;
Kate Reid, Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch;
Jane McChesney, Senior Lecturer, School of Teacher Education, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Acknowledgements
Ann Richardson receives support from the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust.
Correspondence
Ann Richardson, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch.
Correspondence Email
ann.richardson@canterbury.ac.nz
Competing Interests
Nil.