Smart working environment for employee sustainability

What is it about?

This study consisted of an organisational development intervention in a growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) where the top management’s objective was to become an attractive workplace for the next generation of employees. The central problem is how to develop a smart working environment (SWE) based on the needs of this target group. The aim is both practical and theoretical. The action research approach (AR) was utilized as a frame for the organisational learning process. The problem identification, targets, and activities were developed in an iterative process together with the management team and employees. Starting from the main problem a methodological plan was outlined for the intervention, including several instruments for collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. AR is an emergent process in which data, researchers and participants are equally contributing in deciding on the next steps to be taken. The theoretical findings pertain to the definition of what an SWE is in this specific context and how it evolved during the intervention period. It is identified as expansive learning of the concept, which is illustrated through the iterative phases allowing for the expansion of understanding and implementing new ways of being, doing, and relating in the organisation. The study gives insight into factors that the new generation of employees find most important at work. While prior research on SWE mostly focuses on efficiency and effectiveness framed by digitalisation and workspace, the present findings emphasise the importance of working with the socioemotional dimension at work for ensuring employee sustainability.

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Why is it important?

Learning about how the new generation employees define a smart working environment. Understanding how a formative intervention can affect the development of how a smart working environment is defined.