British workers were said to be more realistic in what they want in the office.
According to Cartridge People’s survey, reported by The Global Reporter, workers in Britain are more practical in what they wish to see in the workplace. Over 1,000 British workers from offices and home were asked to fill in the survey, and the report showed diversity in the way different companies approached the issue.
Some companies like Capital One have sleeping pods for rest breaks during working hours, but only seven percent of British workers wanted these in their office, and only eight percent wanted the “slides, basketball courts and grown up playground equipment” that Google Headquarters offer, and the percentage was the same for those that were interested in “selfie booths”, as provided by Missguided, a fashion retailer.
Environmental improvements came out top for the wants of workers, with “windows that open” to allow fresh air in coming in at 49 percent, and eating areas away from the desk in a “relaxed social environment” totalled 44 percent, while clean air and office plants came in at 40 percent on office wishlists.
Andrew Davies, spokesperson for CartridgePeople.com said: “I’m sure for many employers this research will provide reassurance that they needn’t be trying to live up to the offices of companies like Google and Capital One, and can instead focus on simple creature comforts. Employers who are looking to retain existing and possibly attract new employees should ensure their office and working environment is appealing to staff.
“They can achieve this by introducing simple environmental enhancements such as break out areas, flexible workspaces and a fully functioning kitchen. Our research shows workers aren’t looking for flashy, whacky workspaces, but simple and functional features. A more appealing working environment can have positive effects on productivity, employee engagement and wellbeing and as such, many companies are open to the idea of blowing budgets on updating working environments, however this research shows that this isn’t necessary in order to achieve a happy workforce.”