Dive Brief:
- Nearly half of the employees (47%) in a new Clutch survey said they value a workspace with a community atmosphere, especially so for millennials ages 18 to 34, 55% of whom affirmed this sentiment. The survey results indicate that creating workspaces, including traditional offices, coffee shops and coworking spaces, that bring people together is beneficial for the company long-term.
- In general, employees also want appealing, comfortable workspaces (61%); workplace flexibility (53%); perks, such as free food (47%); and workspaces that provide learning opportunities (32%).
- Calling office design critical, Clutch says that workers are able to concentrate better and think more positively in workspaces they find attractive. The company recommends including natural lighting, up-to-date furniture and fixtures, and biophilic design, a concept based on connecting people.
Dive Insight:
The workspace, as the tone-setter for a business' atmosphere, can be an important aspect in determining how people work as well as their level of productivity. With younger workers' preferences in mind, designers are substituting the box cubicle in on-site offices for less formal, more spacious areas that are conducive to collaboration and teamwork.
Study upon study shows that employees want flexibility in how and where they work. A recent Randstad Workmonitor survey shows that while remote work remains an attractive option, 61% of employees prefer the office as a workspace. This view puts more pressure on employers to make sure the office is as comfortable and attractive as possible, but the return on investment — enhanced engagement and higher productivity — is likely worth it.
However, not all employees favor open workspaces. Workers at Apple were set to quit their jobs last year when the tech company redesigned its offices into open spaces; disgruntled Apple employees said that they needed more privacy to work and think creatively. When redesigning an office, employers must keep in mind the various ways by which individuals work, accommodating both shared and individual work.
