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Tomorrow’s offices through today’s eyes: Effects of innovation in the working environment

Paul Vos (Centre for People and Buildings, Delft University of Technology, Berlageweg 1,b 2628CR Delft, The Netherlands; Tel: +31 15 2781114; Fax: +31 15 2783171; e‐mail: p.g.j.c.vos@bk.tudelft.nl)
Theo van der Voordt (Department of Real Estate & Project Management, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5043, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands; Tel: +31 15 2786846; Fax: +31 15 2783171; e‐mail: d.j.m.vandervoordt@bk.tudelft.nl)

Journal of Corporate Real Estate

ISSN: 1463-001X

Article publication date: 31 December 2001

3010

Abstract

Many organisations have changed to new ways of working, steered or followed up by design interventions and sharing of activity related workplaces. Expectations have been high. Innovative offices should lead to more efficient use of space and other facilities; greater job satisfaction; the projection of a positive image to clients; an improved performance of the organisation and its staff; and reduced costs. Have innovations in the working environment fulfilled these high expectations? Are the new offices really more efficient and more pleasant to work in? Or will constant changing of the workplace reduce satisfaction and productivity? What are the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of teleworking? Are the extra costs of nice ergonomic furniture, high‐tech information and communication technology (ICT) and image‐boosting gadgets counterbalanced by the expected profits in higher productivity and more efficient use of space? Evaluative research results show a mixed picture. Besides the considerable satisfaction with the attractive design and the improved opportunities to interact, there are many complaints about problems in concentrating on work. Psychological mechanisms, such as the need for status, privacy and individual territory, do not necessarily hinder ‘flexi‐working’, but only when the new situation provides considerable added value. Teleworking offers more freedom of choice, but there are attendant risks.

Keywords

Citation

Vos, P. and van der Voordt, T. (2001), "Tomorrow’s offices through today’s eyes: Effects of innovation in the working environment", Journal of Corporate Real Estate, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 48-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/14630010210811778

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited

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