Effects of Poor Office Environment On the Motivation of Workers in an Organisation in Uganda: A Case Study of Ministry of Public Service in Uganda

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study investigated the effects of poor office environment on the motivation of workers in the ministry of public service in Uganda. The study was guided by three specific objectives and these included; to find the effect of office environment in the productivity of workers, to determine the effect of motivation on the performance of workers and to establish the relationship between poor office environment and motivation of employees. The study reviewed literature related to the study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative procedures of data collection and analysis. Quantitative methods provided data for statistical purposes while qualitative methods provided data in detail through critical analysis of the information provided by the respondents among other sources. A sample size of 70 respondents was used in the study. In data gathering, the study empldyed indepth interview guide and research questionnaires. From the findings, it was observed that 57% of the respondents strongly agreed that the ministry respects privacy among employees. 29% agreed while none of the respondents disagreed and not sure to the statement that the ministry respects privacy among employees, majority of the respondents 57% agreed to the statement that there is enough lighting in office, 29% strongly agreed, 57% agreed, while 14% disagreed to the statement that there is enough lighting in office. This therefore means that there is enough lighting in office. There is a strong negative relationship between poor office environment and motivation of employee motivation at regression (r) = -0.702 and at level of significance 0.05, this implied that the higher the poor office environment the lower the motivation of employees. The study recommended that regular meetings should be conducted to ensure good communication between employees and management hence addressing the problem of poor office environment. The ministry is advised to set up a well ventilated offices, this will also help to reduce on discomfort among employees and this will increase employee productivity. Also ministry is advised to make regular office checkups in relation to employee productivity. From the analysis of the data gathered the study concluded that, the major problems facing employee’s especially junior staff is that, there are no air conditioners, the researcher therefore recommends that ministry of public service should provide them with well spaced offices with enough sunlight