An empirical study on the factors conducive to productivity and their relative significance in improving efficiency and performance in the office environment

Abstract

The research examined the area of lean office with the aim of identifying means through which office efficiency could be improved. The researcher conducted primary and secondary research into the topic of lean office. He researched relevant material in books, journals and websites and used a questionnaire to survey a representative sample of office staff in the West of Ireland. The primary research indicated that the lean office concept wasn’t widely used among the respondents’ companies. However, the respondents in general indicated a high level of satisfaction with the adequacy of office equipment, the layout of the office, safety levels in the office and with the levels of staff interaction. There were also high levels of satisfaction in relation to how the role of the respondents contributed to the overall results of the company. A majority of the respondents indicated that their companies measured productivity, had productivity targets and that their company had obtained at least one quality standard. However, in the matter of waste, a lesser majority indicated that forms and processes had been examined in their company with a view to eliminating such waste. Respondents gave examples of where waste occurred under the seven main areas of waste. The philosophy of lean wasn’t applied as commonly as the researcher expected but in general the results from the questionnaire indicated that efforts were being made to make the office as efficient as possible. As the drive to improve competitiveness increases, increasing efficiency in the office can’t be overlooked and the philosophy of lean can play an important role in achieving high levels of efficiency.