The commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE conducted interesting research on how workplace experience can boost employee engagement. They asked 1600 professionals from the USA about workplace amenities, and how do they impact their level of engagement with their job.
So, to the surprise of all, the one thing most employees wanted was not pool, table football, fitness or anything fun actually. The most common answer (53%) was – windows! Not like the operating system, but actual windows that will provide natural light and views of nature outside. This points to the sad reality that many offices lack the view of the outdoors. According to researchers, people, in general, are biophilic, meaning we seek to connect with nature one way or another. Therefore, we want to see beyond our desks and monitors and into the world outside.
The second and third thing workers desired the most are associated with eating. That’s right, don’t complain when you get fat! So, 44% of the employees wanted to have an on-site cafe or food, so they don’t have to go very far to eat and drink. 37% wanted a nice kitchen. We can basically see two categories of people here, those who buy food and those who cook!
Unsurprisingly, the most valued amenities seem to be among the scarcest at the same time. “Although employees placed the highest value on natural light and views, these are also areas that employees reported being the most dissatisfied with, in their current environments,” the report reads.
So, if companies really want their employees to be satisfied and positive in their work, they should probably spend more time and money on a better office location and thoughtful floor plans. It is said that a workplace’s physical layout and amenities can signal and reinforce a company’s values for its employees.
Now, get back to work and be grateful if you have windows!
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