A STUDY ON WORKPLACE FACILITIES AND DESIGN TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY

Abstract

Singapore is a global innovation hub which has attracted many multinational companies to setup their Asia-Pacific Headquarters. These companies arrived with the prospect of leveraging and capitalising on the country's most valuable resource; her people. A workforce with high productivity levels will put Singapore in a greater limelight on the international economic stage. As such, it will be logical and meaningful to conduct studies which will identify and enhance the key factors in improving workforce productivity levels, and positively impact the vibrancy of the nation's economy. With this consideration in mind, this study aims to find out how workplace facilities and design can positively impact the vibrancy of the nation’s economy. The main objective is to find out the relationship between workplace facilities, design and employee productivity, specifically the Information Technology industry, in Singapore. The Information Technology industry is chosen as an area of focus for this research as it is a key industry that supports the nation’s growth. The research methods chosen were survey questionnaire and case studies. Surveys were being disseminated to employees of Information Technology companies in Singapore. This was done to validate the relationship between workplace facilities, design and employee productivity, understand the current workplace situation and to find out employee’s opinion on an ideal workplace. It was observed that a collaborative workplace is a key priority to employees productivity. An undefined workplace with a mixed-use purpose can be employed to facilitate discussion among employees. Workstation can be improved through customization based on individual preference to increase productivity. The concluding analysis of this research also attempts to propose suggestions to increase employee productivity.