New survey reveals what Brits want from their working environment, with natural light and better break areas coming out on top. Employees across the UK want to redecorate their office space in a bid to create a better place to work. Personalised workspaces, office amenities and ergonomic furniture also make Britain’s workplace wish-list. From Peldon Rose.

A new UK-wide survey has lifted the lid on what Britain’s workforce would change about their office space, given the chance. A recent survey by the workplace consultants at Peldon Rose saw a fifth of workers admit that their office environment actually hinders their professional productivity, while over half of job hunters say they would actually turn down a position if they didn’t like the workspace – so it’s clear that British workers place a lot of value in where they spend their working week.

Thankfully, this new study by Tiles Direct could provide a blueprint for employers and managers who are ready to reinvent their workspace. 1,000 9-5 workers across the UK were asked whether office design influences their decision to accept a job – and over a quarter of respondents (and a huge 61 percent of 18-24 year olds) admitted they make career decisions based on how a workplace looks. Participants were then asked to dish the dirt on what’s missing from their working environment – and it looks like Britain’s workforce wants less oppressive office spaces above all else.

Taking 41 percent of the vote, natural light was cited as the key ingredient that’s missing from UK offices – an addition that could see an increase in energy, happiness and productivity in the workplace. With 26 percent of the overall vote, making improvements to office break areas could give professional satisfaction across the UK a healthy boost.

Personalising the workplace
The results of this survey show that seemingly insignificant factors can actually have a dramatic impact on how we feel about our workspace – and atmosphere in particular plays a significant part, with 22 percent of office workers calling for the power to personalise their work station. Amenities are also on the agenda when it comes to improving UK offices, with 21 percent of all Brits surveyed – and 29 percent of women – revealing that access to an office coffee machine and water cooler would introduce a welcome perk to where they work.

Overhauling office design
Small, strategic changes could mean big improvements for working environments across the UK – as some Brits lay blame on less than luxurious office furniture and uninspiring workplace decor. With many office workers spending upwards of eight hours a day in their office chair, it’s no surprise that 18 percent of respondents would like to trade in their furniture for more comfortable and ergonomic alternatives – while 16 percent would welcome more colourful or engaging office design. In light of this survey, one thing’s clear: Britain’s workforce has plenty of ideas when it comes to fine-tuning the office of the future.

Topline results

Respondents were asked to select one answer to the following question:

Does office design influence your decision to accept a job?

• Yes: 25.3 percent
• No: 74.7 percent

Respondents were then allowed to select multiple answers to the following question:

What would make your working environment better?

• More natural light: 41.0 percent
• Better lunch/break area: 25.5 percent
• More personalised workspace: 22.0 percent
• Better amenities (e.g. coffee machine, water cooler): 20.5 percent
• Better office furniture: 17.6 percent
• Introduction of colour/art on the walls: 16.0 percent