For the majority of workers in the UK, small luxuries in the workplace include a microwave, kettle and – for the very lucky – a dining area where lunch breaks can be spent socialising with colleagues. However, it seems that those chained to their desks from 9 to 5 have begun to long for more than the traditional office staples, with hair straighteners in the bathroom, outdoor relaxation areas and plenty of natural light all revealed to be components of the “ideal” office in a survey conducted by 72Point.
According to the study, which took into account the views of 2,000 office employees across the UK, companies such as Google and Innocent are paving the way for an overhaul of the traditional workplace.
The focus upon spacious interiors, modern settings and cutting edge décor is becoming an increasingly desirable trait for employers to have, especially when these aspects are combined with crèche facilities and in-office gyms – aspects 37 per cent of participants claimed would be hugely helpful in addressing daily inconveniences and restoring a work/life balance.
One of the most requested elements of a modern office was a canteen with seating and a changing menu, allowing staff to enjoy their lunch break whilst indulging in healthy eating options. In addition, a number of participants would like to see a catering trolley installed which would offer workers sweet treats and hot beverages as a once per week treat on Fridays.
Following on from this theme, many would like to see their employer introduce free fruit bowls to the office as a healthy alternative to the chocolate bars and sweet bowls which make up the usual office snack fare. However, for those in desperate need of a mid-morning sugar rush, the ideal workplace would also contain a range of vending machines.
A spokesperson for Furniture at Work commented on the findings, claiming that making smaller, inexpensive changes could actually benefit employers in terms of employee motivation.
They said; “Sadly, the majority of offices were built decades ago, which can cause many workers to feel demotivated.
“No employee should feel cramped or ill due to their outdated surroundings, so it could be worth mentioning it to your supervisors.
“Offices are definitely changing, and it could be to everyone’s benefit – having modern furnishings, bright décor and lots of time outdoors may become a standard trait of office employment.”
Surprisingly, the top request from office workers didn’t concern the interior of their workplace, but rather the outdoors: specifically, a large garden area on either the ground or roof level for al fresco meetings and opportunities to socialise during breaks.
Should this not be possible, participants suggested that their employer could install a “jungle” area with a variety of indoor plants and flowers in order to boost oxygen levels within the office and alleviate feelings of stress during particularly tough projects encountered in the working day.
Do you think that these factors constitute the ideal office and, if so, what impact does the working environment have on productivity and health?
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