"Intuitively, we believe that if we provide high performance space that is flexible and sustainable, and we provide outstanding customer service, our operations will be more profitable. But such a relationship -- tying space and service with profitability -- has never been proven," says BOMA president Richard D. Baier, managing director of CB Richard Ellis in Kansas City, MO.

The results of the study will be published in December, after which BOMA International plans to educate property owners and managers about improving workplace performance and offer tenants ways to improve their office space. Assisting in the research are Armstrong World Industries, Interface, the New Buildings Institute, SMED International, the U.S. General Services Administration and Public Works General Services Canada.