The effects of mixed-mode ventilation on energy saving and employee job satisfaction, work engagement, and job performance

Abstract Given the rise in extreme temperatures worldwide due to climate change, this paper explores whether installing a mixed-mode ventilation (MMV) system in buildings can reduce energy consumption without compromising employees’ job satisfaction, work engagement, and job performance. The MMV system combines natural ventilation with air-conditioning, switching between them as needed and operating at a higher temperature to achieve energy savings while still providing thermal comfort. A 19-week experience sampling study (Study 1) was conducted to examine the long-term effects of working under the MMV system. A field experiment (Study 2) was then conducted to document causal effects. The results show that the MMV system leads to significant energy savings compared to traditional air-conditioners (AC) and, furthermore, provide initial evidence that employees’ job satisfaction, work engagement, and job performance do not differ statistically between those working under the MMV system and those working under traditional AC.