The role of psychological privacy in the office environment : interactions between psychosocial and environmental resources and demands

This study addresses the paucity of empirical evidence concerning the influence of psychological privacy as a spatial resource within office settings. Specifically, it examines the mediation effect of psychological privacy on psychosocial factors, including social support and stress symptoms/irritation in social stress situations. Additionally, it investigates the impact of various office characteristics and the overarching role of environmental control on psychological privacy. Drawing on the job-demands-resources model and the privacy-fit model, this research employs a quantitative cross-sectional approach, conducting an online survey among participants in Great Britain (n = 327). Data analysis employs linear regression models, supplemented by the PROCESS Hayes tool. Findings indicate that psychological privacy does mediate the relationship between social support (colleagues and managers) and stress symptoms/irritation. Furthermore, psychological privacy was associated with desk-sharing, office type and open/closeness of the design. This was in turn mediated by environmental control. This study underscores the need for further research to elucidate the conceptual and empirical nuances surrounding the role of psychological privacy in the workplace, whether it serves as a resource or a demand, and to further explore which specific office characteristics wield influence over psychological privacy in office environments. Such investigations are crucial for advancing our understanding of workplace dynamics and their implications for employee well-being and productivity.