Date of Award

9-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alfred E. Thal, Jr., PhD

Abstract

This study addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding the influence of physical workplace design on employee collaboration and satisfaction with the physical environment within U.S. Space Force technical military organizations.  While seminal industry research consistently demonstrates that physical design and indoor environmental quality influence employee satisfaction and collaboration (e.g., Candido et al., 2015; Sailer et al., 2021), the understanding of these impacts within military contexts remains limited.  Using a quantitative post-occupancy evaluation survey, adapted from the Sustainable Post Occupancy Evaluation Survey (SPOES), multiple regression analyses revealed that physical elements collectively predict both satisfaction and collaboration.  The final simplified model showed that Overall Space Usage, Natural Elements, and Facilities were significant predictors for collaboration.  For satisfaction, the final model included Formal/Informal spaces along with Overall Space Usage, Natural Elements, and Facilities as key predictors.  A strong positive correlation (R Square = 0.72) was also found between satisfaction and collaboration. These findings confirm that workplace design principles established in industry extend to the military context, providing actionable insights for improving employee satisfaction and collaboration through strategic investment in the physical environment.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-S-004

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting  this thesis on AFIT Scholar. Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0732.

Organization associated with this work: Space Systems Integration Office, USSF, El Segundo. (SSC/BZ)

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