PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to holistically identify and assess the factors affecting the workplace relocation process during its various phases, namely: pre-relocation, relocation and post-relocation. The factors assessment evaluates the perspectives and level of agreement between facilities and real estate management professionals.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review was conducted to identify the factors affecting the workplace relocation process. In total, 34 factors were identified, which formed the basis of a questionnaire survey to assess their importance. Responses to the questionnaire survey were obtained through face-to-face interviews with two groups of professionals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, 32 facilities managers (FM) and 32 real estate managers (REM). The questionnaire utilized a 5-point Likert scale of importance.FindingsThe research delivers rankings of the identified factors for prioritization. Where a moderate (to high) level of agreement between FM and REM professionals was remarked. Significant factors include: “availability of workplace health and safety plan”, “analysis of business needs for relocation”, “cost control and management of the relocation process”, “availability of maintenance plans” and “selection of fit-out contractor”.Originality/valueThe study provides a significant contribution to research and professional practice, while no comprehensive studies have been conducted on the various phases of the relocation process. The findings of this study are genuine to keep professionals and practitioners on the ball managing their workplace relocations, overcoming their unforeseen struggles, resourcefully and efficiently.

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PurposeThis research investigates the literature and perspectives of bilateral domains of experts, the facilities management (FM) and real estate management (REM) professionals. It provides insights towards a comprehensive understanding of office facilities relocation as organizational workplaces.Design/methodology/approachAn investigation of the literature was conducted, to identify design aspects, drivers, challenges, and technical and functional considerations of the workplace relocation. A structured survey was utilized, as face-to-face interviews with 32 FM and 32 REM professionals, to explore and compare their perspectives and expertise.FindingsThe study identified key aspects for workplace relocation that were rarely focused on, holistically, in the literature. The research led to identifying the drivers, challenges, considerations, scenarios, and design needs pertaining to the implementation, acquisition, and occupation of the workplace in times of relocation. There is a dispersed view on workplace relocation between FM and REM, which requires alignment. FM and REM experts' perspectives were intrinsically discussed to ascertain the identified key areas.Practical implicationsWorkplace relocation is a change that disturbs almost every workplace around the globe, at least once in its life cycle. This study enlists comprehension of the knowledge obtained from a review of the international literature, to provide a holistic guide for organizational decision makers, and interlink FM and REM professionals' perspectives, for enhanced decision-making.Originality/valueThis article reviews the literature on workplace relocation, covering FM and REM domains perspectives to advance the organizational workplace relocation practices.

PurposeThis paper presents a systematic conduct of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for polyclinic facilities at public hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThis is a mixed design research, where a review of literature was utilized, to qualitatively synthesize POE research on healthcare facilities. Three polyclinic facilities at Saudi Arabia were then assessed. The assessment was systematically conducted by the utilization of surveys and relative importance indices to solicit the experts’ and users' perspectives. The research included the conduct of physical measurements and walkthroughs inspections. Lastly, focus group meetings were conducted to generate recommendations that would improve the built environment conditions of polyclinic facilities.FindingsThe research identified unsatisfactory zoning, indoor air quality and concerns related to installations of different systems. Performance elements and subsequent indicators were identified and evaluated for their significance. The knowledge of these, enables the systematic conduct of POE, by exemplary case studies, for the managers and decision-makers of polyclinic facilities.Originality/valueThis research presents a comprehensive approach for the systematic conduct of POE at polyclinic facilities. The research enriches the literature and fulfils a contextual gap. The recommendations serve to enhance feedforward, the design and management of healthcare facilities.

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