Employee experiences in underground workplaces: a qualitative investigation

Abstract

Underground workplaces (UWS) are increasingly being recognised as a sustainable solution to concerns regarding lack of space facing megacities. UWS can multiply available space by reducing urban sprawl thereby improving quality of life in cities. However, developing workplaces that respond to the needs and preferences of occupants will be a crucial factor in determining the success of this concept. We examine the experiences of existing full-time employees of a large underground facility in North America and analyse how these are related to company policies and other organisational factors. From in-depth interviews of 73 participants, three predominant themes emerged from the analyses: environmental effects (e.g. lack of sunlight), design (e.g. the unique working environment), and organisational factors and social dynamics (e.g. policies regarding breaks). We discuss these themes in relation with interventions that may improve employee comfort and retention and suggest that many factors are within organisational control.

Practitioner Summary: Underground workplaces are a sustainable solution to lack of urban space. However, developing effective workplaces is crucial to their success. We examine the experiences of existing employees of an underground facility in North America. We suggest that most negative attitudes towards underground spaces can be mitigated through simple organisational interventions.

Abbreviations: UWS: underground workplaces; IRB: institutional review board

Keywords:

• Workplace study
• underground
• breakrooms
• sustainable development
• land use
• interviews

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This

research is supported by the Singapore Ministry of National Development and the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office under the Land and Liveability National Innovation Challenge (L2 NIC) Research Programme [L2 NIC Award No. L2NICCFP1-2013-2]. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of the Singapore Ministry of National Development and National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore.