Evaluating workplace performance through post-occupancy evaluation: a case study of open-plan office buildings in Saudi Arabia

Introduction Open-plan office environments are widely implemented in contemporary workplace design due to their potential to enhance collaboration, flexibility, and spatial efficiency. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that such environments may adversely affect employees’ comfort, privacy, and overall performance, particularly within educational institutions. This study aims to evaluate the performance of open-plan office workplaces and assess their effectiveness in supporting employees’ productivity, comfort, and satisfaction within a Saudi Arabian educational context. Methods A post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach was adopted using a mixed-methods research design. Data collection methods included a structured questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews with permanent occupants, and systematic walkthrough inspections. Drawing on an extensive review of relevant literature, a multicriteria performance evaluation framework comprising 39 technical, functional, and behavioral performance elements was developed. This framework was applied to a case study of open-plan office environments at Onaizah Colleges, Saudi Arabia. Results The results reveal that occupants expressed general satisfaction with thermal comfort, visual comfort, office layout, workplace circulation, and opportunities for collaboration. Conversely, notable dissatisfaction was identified in relation to acoustic comfort, privacy, and the adequacy of workplace equipment. These deficiencies were found to have a negative impact on occupants’ concentration, sense of autonomy, and perceived productivity. Discussion This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting an integrated, user-centered POE framework for assessing open-plan office environments in educational buildings. The findings provide evidence-based insights that can support architects, designers, and facility managers in improving workplace performance and informing future design and operational decisions in similar institutional settings.