{"title":"Going beyond buildings: mindfulness and real estate user behavior","authors":"N. J. Seyler, Jan Mutl","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-10-2018-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-10-2018-0039","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Building performance does not only depend on its efficiency but also on the behaviors of its occupants. Occupant behaviors can more than offset technological efficiency gains so, that corporate real estate (CRE) managers have to go beyond sustainable buildings. CRE managers need to understand occupants to effectively reduce the environmental impact of their building portfolio. This paper aims to investigate the effects of environmental attitudes and mindfulness on occupant behaviors at home and at the office. Thereby, the authors address numerous calls for research regarding the drivers of more environmental real estate user behaviors.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The authors use partial least squares structural equation modeling based on self-report data obtained for a representative German sample.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The results show that environmental attitudes and mindfulness have both positive effects on occupant behaviors. However, the effects tend to be weaker in the office context.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000This study relies on self-reports as an indicator of actual behaviors. Besides, the findings are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Environmental education and mindfulness training may be an effective way to promote more environmental occupant behaviors and help CRE managers to further reduce the environmental impact of their building portfolio.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The paper contributes to prior research about the antecedents of environmental behaviors and provides evidence for the positive impact of environmental attitudes and mindfulness on occupant behaviors. The author provide a new approach for CRE managers, which may improve occupant behaviors.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-10-2018-0039","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44609706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Salutogenic workplace design","authors":"Michael Roskams, Barry P. Haynes","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0001","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss opportunities for health promotion through the workplace environment, adopting a “salutogenic” perspective of health which more explicitly focuses on factors that support human health and well-being, as opposed to factors which cause disease.Design/methodology/approachIn the introduction, the salutogenic model of health and the Environmental Demands-Resources model are discussed, providing a conceptual framework to represent the workplace environment as a composite of pathogenic “demands” and salutogenic “resources”. Subsequently, a narrative review is performed to discuss the existing literature from the perspective of this novel framework, identifying environmental resources which might strengthen the three components of an employee’s “sense of coherence” (comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness), an individual orientation associated with more positive health outcomes.FindingsComprehensibility can be supported by effectively implementing a clear set of rules governing the use of the workplace. Manageability can be supported through biophilic design solutions, and through design which supports social cohesion and physical activity. Meaningfulness can be supported by recognising the importance of personal identity expression and through design which reinforces the employees’ sense of purpose.Originality/valueThe salutogenic perspective is a potentially valuable but relatively under-considered paradigm in workplace practice. The key contribution of this paper is to encourage researchers and practitioners to recognise the crucial role that an individual’s sense of coherence plays in supporting higher levels of physical and mental health, so that they increase their ability to provide truly “healthy” workplaces, capable of promoting health as well as minimising the risk of disease.","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41679286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Healthy workplaces: what we know and what else we need to know","authors":"P. Jensen, Theo van der Voordt","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-11-2018-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-11-2018-0045","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to explore the impact of buildings on the creation of healthy workplaces (HWs) and end users’ physical and mental health and well-being. The paper presents available research on the impact of workplace layout, interior design, indoor climate and “green” offices. It ends with reflections on the main lessons learned, gaps in our current knowledge and suggestions for further research.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A literature research has been conducted of all papers in four corporate real estate management and facilities management-oriented journals from 2008 to 2017 that discuss health and well-being and related topics such as satisfaction, productivity and creativity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000A conceptual model to analyse impact factors for HWs covers the influence of many different variables. Most papers only discuss a particular influencing factor, mainly plants and indoor climate. Various papers show that the spatial layout, in particular the level of openness and opportunities for communication, concentration and privacy and interior design have an important impact on user satisfaction, perceived productivity support and creativity. These factors may have a positive impact on HWs as well and can also be benefits of HWs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The paper identifies, which factors are important to consider for creating HWs and potential benefits of HWs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper discusses the role of CREM and FM in creating HWs and reflects on the available knowledge, current omissions and the need for transdisciplinary follow-up research.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-11-2018-0045","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46968791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Roskams, Barry P. Haynes, P. Lee, S. H. Park
{"title":"Acoustic comfort in open-plan offices: the role of employee characteristics","authors":"Michael Roskams, Barry P. Haynes, P. Lee, S. H. Park","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-02-2019-0011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-02-2019-0011","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to determine the extent to which employees’ experiences of acoustic comfort, well-being and productivity in open-plan offices are determined by specific characteristics (including demographic information, task characteristics, and personality traits).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A questionnaire was distributed to the occupants of three open-plan office sites and was completed by 166 employees in total.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The results indicated that acoustic comfort in open-plan offices is largely determined by noise sensitivity. Higher noise sensitivity was associated with more negative ratings of acoustical quality, more perceived disturbance by speech and more difficulties in concentration. More negative experiences were also reported by employees with lower interactivity with colleagues.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000There is significant inter-individual variability in experiences of acoustic comfort, well-being and productivity in open-plan offices. As such, workplace practitioners should consider acoustic and behavioural solutions for introducing a greater diversity of functional workspaces within the office, so that employees can choose the most suitable working area for their requirements.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Whereas the majority of past acoustics research has been laboratory-based, this study is conducted in real office environments with a representative sample of knowledge workers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-02-2019-0011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48741056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Activity-based flexible office","authors":"Z. Zamani, Dawn Gum","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-08-2018-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-08-2018-0028","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Corporations balancing real estate holding (CRE) costs with recruitment-retention increasingly use activity-based flexible offices (AFO) to right-size environments for a mobile workforce. In this layout, workers have the option to select between a mix of unassigned workstations and alternative work settings (AWS) that support autonomy and mobility. The open layout encourages visibility and access to colleagues to enhance communication and collaboration. Nevertheless, studies into the effects of AFO environment attribute effects on worker needs and work outcome are sparse. Therefore, this study aims to focus on understanding how environmental features and psychological or job needs impact observed and perceived satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Data were collected in a case organization piloting an AFO before implementation across their CRE portfolio. A mixed-methods approach was used, including systematic observations, space syntax and surveys collecting information on the observed and perceived satisfaction, communication, collaboration and productivity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Collaboration instances were higher in AWS, especially more visible and accessible open areas, supporting higher impromptu interactions and enhanced perceptions of productivity of team members and cross-team members. Privacy requirements linked to a greater demand for enclosed AWS. Team communication satisfaction depended on how easily teams were located. Almost half of the user teams clustered within workstation zones corresponding to territoriality needs. Job autonomy satisfaction depended on the availability of preferred workstation or AWS, enabling private, uninterrupted work that enhanced perceived productivity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The case study findings indicated a correlation between the AFO environment and worker needs impacting workplace satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The findings form this case study indicated that a fit between the AFO environment and needs impacted workplace satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":"12 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-08-2018-0028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41248619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Feel well and do well at work","authors":"A. C. Cordero, Maral Babapour, M. Karlsson","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0002","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to investigate employee well-being in relation to office landscapes in a post-relocation context. The aims are to identify spatial attributes of the office landscape that influence employee well-being and underlying contextual factors that explain employee well-being post-relocation.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A mixed-method approach was adopted. The data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with employees, an interview with the leading architect of the office renovation, study of a dossier on the renovation project and observations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Most of the informants experienced the new office landscape positively despite few shortcomings. Spatial attributes were identified that influenced the informants’ well-being positively in terms of affects, satisfaction, social relations and environmental mastery. Conversely, negative influences on well-being were also reported regarding affects, satisfaction and environmental mastery. Conflicting views on some of the spatial attributes and contextual factors related to the planning process and the former office landscape were identified.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The value of this paper lies in investigating the office landscape at the spatial attributes level, despite office type, and their influence on hedonic and eudaimonic components of employee well-being. The research approach adopted proved its usefulness for in-depth studies of the interrelations between office landscapes and employee well-being.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-01-2019-0002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48705680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cencheng Zhao, Eunhwa Yang, Y. Nie, Justin D. Russo
{"title":"Facility decision making process with modified value engineering approach","authors":"Cencheng Zhao, Eunhwa Yang, Y. Nie, Justin D. Russo","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-01-2018-0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-01-2018-0002","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose This paper aims to provide organizations with a new tool to make decisions related to a facility (building) selection process. Traditionally, value engineering (VE) applies the Value = Function/Cost formula to evaluate the worth of a product. In this paper, the VE-based facility-selection approach is proposed, where the cost of a facility is expressed in net present value (NPV) as it contains the net expense of purchasing or leasing a building as well as the time value of money. Also, a method of quantifying functions and involved risks of different facility choices is proposed. Design/methodology/approach The framework of the VE-based facility-selection process is broken down into three steps: preparation, calculation/analysis and assessment. In the latter part of this paper, the authors share a sample analysis by illustrating the analysis and decision-making process when three hypothetical facility-selection options are available. Findings The sample analysis indicates that companies can get the lowest cost and risk while improving their functions to achieve the highest value by using the modified VE formula to drive an optimal option for company’s business expansion and facility-selection process. Originality/value This paper provides organizations with a strategic system and process to select proper facilities or buildings for business expansion. The VE approach suggested in this study can allow facility/real estate portfolio decision-makers to analyze financial and functional aspects of the facility at the same time and obtain the value coefficient when they choose a new facility from different options. Finally, they can select the best option, which has the highest value coefficient, given financial and functional considerations.","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-01-2018-0002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44621272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Disposal strategies in corporate real estate portfolios","authors":"H. Remøy, Sander Rovers, I. Nase","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-10-2017-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-10-2017-0041","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to develop an operational framework with guidelines and lessons to improve the current real estate portfolio disposal procedures of freeholds, based on empirical evidence from the banking sector.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The empirical research is based on a comparative analysis of four case studies, representing approximately 80 per cent of the Dutch banking sector. The case studies comprise a systematic document review of corporate business and real estate strategies and semi-structured interviews with decision makers who steer the organisation’s corporate real estate (CRE) portfolio composition.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000This research shows a strong relationship between organisation characteristics, legacy and strategy, disposal drivers and CRE disposal strategies. The weighing of drivers and order of steps in strategy execution strategies largely depend on organisational objectives.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000This paper reports empirical findings from Dutch case studies. To generalise, further research is needed in different legal, financial and economic contexts and in other sectors. This paper suggests a more thorough study of the relationship between space-use efficiency and technological innovation implementation..\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The framework proposes strategy improvements and a proactive approach to corporate real estate management (CREM) to create value through real estate portfolios.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper provides a thorough analysis of the CREM of the Dutch banking sector and is applicable to CREM in this and other sectors.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-10-2017-0041","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43979656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green roof perceptions: Newcastle, UK CBD owners/occupiers","authors":"G. Everett, J. Lamond","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-11-2017-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-11-2017-0044","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of green roofs for commercial real estate building owners/occupiers in a UK city and consider how these might affect the chances of their adoption.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Two sets of semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected respondents, 10 with and 25 without green roofs, to compare and contrast differing perspectives. A grounded theory approach was taken to data analysis, allowing themes to emerge directly from the data.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Low awareness and understanding were observed amongst those without green roofs, which positively affected perceived costs whilst negatively affecting perceived benefits. Green roof owners gave weight to wider societal and ecosystem services benefits, whilst those without focussed much more upon building-level benefits and costs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Because of the restricted sample size, the findings in themselves are not generalizable; rather, themes are drawn from the research for reflection.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Findings point to steps that might be required of regional and national government to increase green roof uptake. This could involve initiating conversations to raise awareness, shift discourse and perceived norms and best practice; offering incentives, education and training; and presenting high-profile exemplar projects of green roofing to begin to mainstream the technology and get it onto the radar of building owners.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Bringing together social research around cohorts with and without green roofs, the paper throws into sharp relief discussions around costs and benefits and points towards potentially more productive directions for action to encourage consideration and take-up of green roofs by building owners.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-11-2017-0044","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49617742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effects of workstation partition heights on employees’ perceptions in open-plan offices","authors":"Kemal Yıldırım, Elif Guneş, Gülcan Pervan Yilmaz","doi":"10.1108/JCRE-03-2018-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-03-2018-0010","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of environmental factors in open-plan offices with the same characteristics but with different workstation partition heights (1.10, 1.40 and 1.65 m) on perceptual evaluations of office employees.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000In this research, the effects of environmental factors on employees’ perceptual evaluations in open-plan offices at the Gölbaşı Region of Ankara were measured with a detailed questionnaire. The research data were obtained from 81 employees who agreed to fill out the questionnaire and who use open-plan offices.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000It was found that the office environments with 1.65 m workstation partition heights were more favorably assessed for each of the items of planning and of privacy that form the dependent variables compared to the office environments with 1.10 and 1.40 m partition heights. On the other hand, the office environments with the 1.10 and 1.40 m partition heights were more favorable for lighting items than the 1.65 m partition height office environments. In addition, young employees had a more positive tendency toward the perceptions of environmental factors, including different workstation partition heights in open-plan offices, compared to older employees.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Results of this research provide a fundamental contribution for the impact of various partition heights that have substantial implications on the perceptions of open-plan office environments. At this point, as open-plan offices have important effects on the quality of employees’ work experiences, the influence of various partition heights on the performance of employees should be emphasized in future studies. The diversity of performance (reading comprehension, calculation, design, drawing, etc.) will be an important decision.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The significant contribution of this research is that it provides valid data and makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in open-plan office design.\u0000","PeriodicalId":45969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Corporate Real Estate","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/JCRE-03-2018-0010","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43349102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}