Dive Brief:
- A recent survey reports that 70% of U.S. office workers and managers are putting in more than 40 hours a week, which means employers need to stay focused on maintaining a motivating and inspiring work environment, according to the research.
- In its second annual Workplace Index, Staples Business Advantage (a division of the office supply chain) found that the long hours result from most employees not being able to get their work done during an eight-hour day. With that, stress levels are rising, as 64% of respondents say their workplace and longer hours have contributed to stress.
- An interesting response is that even with telecommuting and on-demand workspaces rising, 66% of employees surveyed consider the office the most productive place to get work done, as 36% even admit the office is the most "inspiring place" to work.
Dive Insight:
This year, Staples Business Advantage created its survey by collaborating with Jacob Morgan, best-selling author of The Future of Work, and co-founder of the Future of Work Community, a council of organizations who explore the future of work.
Morgan said the study drives home the message that there is a "tremendous opportunity" for organizations to design employee experiences where employees "truly want to show up.” He explains that offering employees health and wellness programs, well-designed office environments and up-to-date modern technologies will help attract and retain top talent.
Along those lines, it seems office design has miles to go, as the majority of survey respondents describe their office as standard, plain and dull – even in open or hybrid environments. Respondents want natural light, private spaces, standing desks, lounge areas and ergonomic and flexible furniture for multiple uses.