Office workers prefer working in a physical office environment post-pandemic and believe that sustainability is vital to their well-being, according to the Design of the Workplace report, released at the Ecocity World Summit 2023. The report revealed that 74% of office workers feel more productive and creative in an office than they do when working from home. The survey, which was carried out by Perspectus Global and commissioned by Brookfield Properties, working with Foster + Partners, interviewed 3,400 office workers across the United Kingdom.
The report indicated that sustainability credentials and design are non-negotiable among future business leaders. Not only are environmentally friendly workspaces essential for the planet’s health, but such workplaces lead to greater productivity, calmness, and improved wellbeing. An environmentally unfriendly office negatively affects 24% of office workers’ mental and physical health. The report also found that 90% of office employees believe that sustainable workspace design is essential for both the planet and their wellbeing.
The survey revealed that 93% of those working in an environmentally friendly office space are happier with their job. Happiness levels dropped to 55% among those who worked in environmentally unfriendly offices. Additionally, 40% of office workers feel more productive in an environmentally friendly office space, while only 12% of those without access to one believe they are more productive.
Air ventilation, natural light, fast internet connection, effective heating control, recycling facilities, and adjustable desks and chairs are the necessary conditions for a comfortable workspace, according to the survey. The report also revealed that employees are ten times calmer in an environmentally friendly workspace. In light of these findings, the workplace design has become a vital factor for employee satisfaction, productivity, retention and wellbeing.
Commenting on the report, Dan Sibert, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners said that “The workplace of the future is about creating spaces that support a greater range of activities and diverse working practices while focusing on wellbeing and offering people a sense of community.” Creating an atmosphere that supports diverse working practices and prioritizes health and well-being is essential, according to the report.
The report’s findings come after statistics released by Currys found that half of UK employees suffer from “Sunday Scaries,” anxiety about returning to work. Employers must take the necessary steps to address employees’ concerns and ensure that they provide a comfortable and sustainable work environment to promote employee satisfaction and well-being.