The workplace as a factor of job satisfaction and productivity: A case study of administrative personnel at the University of Athens

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine degree of job satisfaction of the University of Athen’s (UOA) administrative staff, specifically regarding the workplace and its impact on their productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were distributed to 160 administrative personnel of the UOA. The study entails descriptive analysis, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations (two-tailed) and regression analysis of the data collected.

Findings

The results indicate that the UOA’s administrative staff is dissatisfied with most aspects of their workplace, which is characterized by an inability to encourage and support new forms of office work. This scenario was also found to have a negative effect on productivity. In addition, regression analysis showed that satisfaction with the workplace is a significant predictor of employee productivity.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that the sample was not from the UOA administrative staff that works in more recently constructed office buildings away from the Athens city center. Further investigation would also be needed to identify possible differences in satisfaction with the workspace and its impact on productivity, based on demographic characteristics, such as the level of education and years of employment.

Practical implications

The research results may be useful to public institution administrations like that of the UOA, as it highlights changes in the workplace which can have significant impact on employee job satisfaction and productivity, and consequently, the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided.

Originality/value

This study examines aspects of the workspace of a public organization regarding their individual attributes. Given that the existing Greek literature in this field does not contain a discussion on the impact of the workplace on job satisfaction and productivity as far as the public sector is concerned, this paper may contribute to a smoother and more efficient provision of services from its organizations/institutions.

Citation

Fassoulis, K. and Alexopoulos, N. (2015), "The workplace as a factor of job satisfaction and productivity: A case study of administrative personnel at the University of Athens", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 332-349. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFM-06-2014-0018