Free snacks, video games in break rooms and even sleep pods for a quick power nap all feature in the workplace wish list for creatives, according to a new survey.
A study into the office desires of employees across the UK shows a wide range of likes and dislikes, and illustrate how important it is for companies to make good decisions on the environment they provide for workers.
The data – compiled by MoneySuperMarket – was drawn together from a survey of more than 1,500 workers across the UK.
It revealed a number of strong preferences, including a preference for a fixed desk rather than shared space and for an open-plan layout instead of a cubicle, as well as environmentally-friendly facilities and easy access to parking.
Crucially for business owners, statistics also show that a good workplace environment can make workers up to 33% happier – and that a happy worker is up to 30% more productive.
Key findings include:
- Style – Both business and HR and media and marketing workers share a preference for light and airy offices (23% and 29% respectively), while creative employees prefer to keep things simple, with 44% wanting a traditional and functional building.
- Physical features – Like their bosses, 38% of creative workers name recycling facilities as an important feature. But media and marketing employees proved to be the most eco-conscious, with a remarkable 62% wanting recycling facilities.
- Luxury features – Both business and HR and media and marketing would like free snacks, meals, and soft drinks. Creative types, meanwhile, want video games (46%) and sleeping pods (44%).
- Location – In contrast to the 63% of business owners overall who want parking spaces, 62% of media and marketing employees and 54% of creative employees want transport options.
Something agreed on by all groups in all industries is the desire for a fixed desk, favoured by 74% of business owners and 73% of employees.
Likewise, everyone wants flexible working hours rather than the standard nine to five, with 59% of employees picking this out as their preference and 52% of employers. Only 47% of full-time employees are offered flexible hours, however.
Rose Howarth, head of business insurance at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Small changes around the office can make a huge difference to mood and productivity, not only for employees, but also for the business owner.
“Not every change needs to break the bank or affect your business insurance policy. Many of the options both sides selected in the survey were a question of picking the right location and creating the right environment, rather than buying new assets for the company. You just need to ensure that all changes that do affect policy and location are reflected in your business insurance policy as you grow your company.”
