Factors affecting sustainable practices of workplace remodeling in Saudi Arabia: a stakeholder assessment

Purpose – This study aims to explore the factors affecting sustainable workplace remodeling in Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was conducted, resulting in 30 factors grouped into five categories. A questionnaire was designed and tested, and stakeholders including architects/engineers (A/Es), contractors and facilities managers were surveyed to evaluate the importance of these factors. The responses were analyzed to determine the relative importance index (RII), importance rating (IR) and ranking of each factor. Findings – All 30 factors were evaluated as “Extremely Important” and “Very Important” in the collective assessment conducted by the three stakeholder categories. The findings revealed that the key factors, unanimously highlighted by all groups, include “The highest-ranking factors Constrained budget for the project”, “Availability of an experienced contractor in the remodeling field”, “Compliance with safety codes and standards”, “Underestimation of project complexity” and “Availability of specifications”. Research limitations/implications – The study presents an approach for assessing stakeholder consensus, using the RII and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to analyze the results. This approach aims to improve understanding of how various stakeholders influence and perceive sustainability in construction projects. Practical implications – The study offers guidance for various stakeholders, to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. It emphasizes communication, implementing cost-efficient designs and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards to enhance the longevity and efficiency of remodeled workplaces. Originality/value – The study adds to the current knowledge base by providing insights into sustainable practices of workplace remodeling specific to the context of Saudi Arabia.