Thermal comfort in LEED-certified workspaces: enhancing job satisfaction and workplace resilience in Sri Lanka

This study examines the impact of thermal comfort in LEED-certified workspaces on employee job satisfaction and workplace resilience in Sri Lanka, using a LEED Platinum-certified apparel manufacturing factory as a case study. Thermal comfort, encompassing temperature, humidity, and air quality, is a critical factor influencing workplace well-being, particularly in tropical climates where maintaining optimal indoor conditions presents unique challenges. While LEED-certified buildings are designed to enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ), their effectiveness in delivering thermal comfort and fostering employee satisfaction remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection. The quantitative study surveyed 180 employees using standardized measures, including the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), Workplace Resilience Scale [WRS] and a Thermal Comfort Satisfaction Scale, analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression modeling. Results indicate a moderate positive correlation between thermal comfort satisfaction and job satisfaction (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), with regression analysis confirming that thermal comfort accounts for 35% of the variance in job satisfaction. The qualitative component, comprising semi-structured interviews with 15 employees, 3 supervisors, and 3 design professionals, revealed that temperature fluctuations, lack of personal control over indoor climate, and inconsistent air circulation were primary concerns affecting satisfaction and productivity. Findings demonstrate that LEED-certified interiors at Case study enhance thermal comfort compared to conventional office spaces, yet challenges persist due to individual variability in temperature preferences and limited adaptive control mechanisms. Employees in workspaces with personalized airflow control reported higher job satisfaction and workplace resilience, highlighting the need for adaptive thermal management strategies in tropical LEED-certified environments. This study contributes original insights into the interplay between thermal comfort, job satisfaction, and resilience in tropical LEED-certified workspaces, offering practical design recommendations for Sri Lanka and similar climates.