Decoupling Office Energy Efficiency From Employees' Well-Being and Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Energy efficiency (i.e., the ratio of output of performance to input of energy) in office buildings can reduce energy costs and CO 2 emissions, but there are barriers to widespread adoption of energy efficient solutions in offices because they are often perceived as a potential threat to perceived comfort, well-being, and performance of office users. However, the links between offices' energy efficiency and users' performance and well-being through their moderators are neither necessary nor empirically confirmed. The purpose of this study is to carry out a systematic review to identify the existing empirical evidence regarding the relationships between energy-efficient solutions in sustainable office buildings and the perceptions of employees' productivity and well-being. Additionally, we aim to identify relevant boundary conditions for these relationships to occur. A systematic literature search of online databases for energy efficiency literature (e.g., Environment Complete, GreenFILE ), employee literature (e.g., PsycINFO, Business Source Complete ) and general social science literature (e.g., Academic Search Complete ) yielded 34 empirical studies. Also, inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. The results suggest that it is possible to decouple energy costs from organizational outcomes such as employee well-being and performance. Also, they indicate the existence of moderators and mediators in the relationship between green office building solutions and well-being/performance. Directions for future research and the implications for practice considering different stakeholders interested in implementing green building solutions, adopting energy-saving measures in offices, and improving employees' functioning are suggested.

Stress in manual and autonomous modes of collaboration with a cobot

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“…Buildings for office space are a significant expense for businesses, yet, if used efficiently, also a resource that can be optimised to deliver real benefits in employee satisfaction, resulting in increased performance and well-being. Energy efficient solutions in offices, however, are sometimes perceived as a potential threat to perceived comfort, well-being, and performance of office users [ 106 ]. Productivity is a difficult concept to measure empirically, especially with regard to workers' output.…”

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