Only 11.4% of women say their job doesn’t bring them any joy, as opposed to 13% of menA new UK-wide survey has lifted the lid on what Britain’s workforce would change about their office space, given the chance.
A recent survey by the work-place consultants at Peldon Rose saw a fifth of workers admit that their office environment actually hinders their professional productivity, while over half of job hunters say they would actually turn down a position if they didn’t like the workspace – so it’s clear that British workers place a lot of value in where they spend their working week.
Thankfully, this new study by Tiles Direct could provide a blueprint for employers and managers who are ready to reinvent their workspace.
1,000 9-5 workers across the UK were asked whether office design influences their decision to accept a job – and over a quarter of respondents (and a huge 61% of 18-24 year olds) admitted they make career decisions based on how a workplace looks.
Participants were then asked to dish the dirt on what’s missing from their working environment – and it looks like Britain’s workforce wants less oppressive office spaces above all else.
Taking 41% of the vote, natural light was cited as the key ingredient that’s missing from UK offices – an addition that could see an increase in energy, happiness and productivity in the workplace.
With 26% of the overall vote, making improvements to office break areas could give professional satisfaction across the UK a healthy boost.
Personalising the workplace
The results of this survey show that seemingly insignificant factors can actually have a dramatic impact on how we feel about our workspace – and atmosphere in particular plays a significant part, with 22% of office workers calling for the power to personalise their work station.
Amenities are also on the agenda when it comes to improving UK offices, with 21% of all Brits surveyed – and 29% of women – revealing that access to an office coffee machine and water cooler would introduce a welcome perk to where they work.
With many office workers spending upwards of eight hours a day in their office chair, it’s no surprise that 18% of respondents would like to trade in their furniture for more comfortable and ergonomic alternatives – while 16% would welcome more colourful or engaging office design. In light of this survey, one thing’s clear: Britain’s workforce has plenty of ideas when it comes to fine-tuning the office of the future.
Small, strategic changes could mean big improvements for working environments across the UK – as some Brits lay blame on less than luxurious office furniture and uninspiring workplace decor.
With many office workers spending upwards of eight hours a day in their office chair, it’s no surprise that 18% of respondents would like to trade in their furniture for more comfortable and ergonomic alternatives – while 16% would welcome more colourful or engaging office design. In light of this survey, one thing’s clear:
Britain’s workforce has plenty of ideas when it comes to fine-tuning the office of the future.
Topline results
Respondents were asked to select one answer to the following question:
Does office design influence your decision to accept a job?
● Yes: 25.3%
● No: 74.7%
Respondents were then allowed to select multiple answers to the following question:
What would make your working environment better?
● More natural light: 41.0%
● Better lunch/break area: 25.5%
● More personalised workspace: 22.0%
● Better amenities (e.g. coffee machine, water cooler): 20.5%
● Better office furniture: 17.6%
● Introduction of colour/art on the walls: 16.0%
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