Aim: Complaints caused by a change in the physical work environment can be distinguished from “normal” complaints caused by personality traits by means of pre/post-evaluation of data gathered before and after the relocation of staff to new premises. Methods: In the first study phase, the chemical content and physical conditions of indoor air were measured in ten different buildings occupied by the administration of the university hospital of Ulm. The health status and psychosocial determinants of the employees were investigated with the ProKlimA questionnaire (n = 141). The same procedure was re-applied after moving to a new, spacious building (n = 151). Results: Dissatisfaction with the indoor climate is a constant factor in the impairment of well-being (ORt0 = 2.5; ORt1 = 3.1). Before relocation, the high level of work was associated with a high risk of impaired well-being. Shortly afterwards, the overall prevalence rose from 24 % to 35 %, in unmarried staff even to 50 %. In particular, former accommodation in a small-roomed building proved to be a significant risk factor for the occurrence of impaired well-being (OR = 7.1). Conclusions: In a relatively static environment psychosocial parameters are an important factor for the occurrence of symptoms related to the sick-building-syndrome (SBS). However, after relocation the employees produced SBS symptoms with varying prevalence. This confers increased importance on socio-demographic and spatial factors.