Effect of green workplace environment on employee performance

Abstract

Today, to minimize the negative environmental impacts establishment of green buildings has become a worldwide trend. Many industries are adopting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, as a global benchmark for high performing green buildings. This concept is new to Sri Lanka and the impact of LEED on employee performance and satisfaction has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the perceptions of employees regarding their green workplace environment and its impact on their performance. The study was conducted with randomly selected, 30 factory staff members and 30 factory workers in an export apparel company that has won a platinum award for LEED. Majority of employees (68.9%) mainly factory staff members, had a good understanding about the LEED practices. Employees believe that introduction of LEED created a good impact on their work lives. About 86% of employees perceive that their performance has improved after establishing the green building. The green building has rewarded the company by improving its employee performance, saving energy and resources, maintaining the market, and creating a better public image.