Some employers overlook the 'invisible factors' of a great workspace
Never underestimate the power of a well-designed office. Air quality, temperature, noise levels and availability of natural light all contribute to a comfortable working environment.
A comfortable workspace, in turn, influences productivity, according to workers polled by Future Workplace and View Inc.
Almost half of the respondents claimed their employers need to pay extra attention to improving their workplace.
The study revealed some workers would rather see their company build a more comfortable, more productive environment than see them switch up organizational policies or perks.
READ MORE: Can your office space make you healthier?
What makes a great office environment? Respondents cited the following:
- Air quality (58%)
- Comfortable light (50%)
- Water quality (41%)
- Comfortable temperature (34%)
- Office acoustics (30%)
- Connection to nature (30%)
At a time when organizations are placing the health and wellbeing of employees first, respondents (42%) are also looking for options to personalize their work environment – from controlling the room temperature (48%) to adjusting the lighting (33%) to tuning out ambient noise (33%) – using apps.
Despite investments in on-site fitness centres or healthy food options at work, employers still fall short when it comes to their wellness initiatives, according to Jeanne Meister, founding partner of Future Workplace.
"Invisible factors" – such as having natural light and setting the office temperature to a comfortable level – are often overlooked, yet these elements “provide the greatest influence on workplace wellness, employee productivity and the overall quality of the employee experience,” Meister said.
