News

A quarter would quit jobs in badly designed offices

News

Piers Wehner

26 September 2023

More than a quarter of workers would consider leaving their job if the workplace was poorly designed.

As an increasing number of companies look to phase out remote working, design and architecture studio MoreySmith and Yonder surveyed 2,000 UK adults and asked about the importance of the office environment for their wellbeing at work.

As well as the 27% who said they would leave a poorly designed workplace, 50% said that the amenities of a workplace would impact their decision on whether to work for a company in the first place, rising to 57% of 25-34 year olds.

More than two thirds – 69% – said their office had a direct impact on their mental health, physical health and wellbeing.

However, working from the office was highlighted as essential for career progression and development across all age groups. More than half – 53% – of workers said there was greater opportunity for promotion when they are working in the office and are visible to the senior team.

MoreySmith has designed headquarters for clients including CBRE, Sony Music, Primark and LVMH.

MoreySmith’s founder and principal director, Linda Morey-Burrows, said: “The workplace has become so much more than just a place to work. Companies looking to attract their employees back full time must consider the amenities they are providing their teams and the overall experience of working in a central workplace.”

Free benefits are still top of the list for workers– with more than half – 58% – willing to work from the office five days a week if the amenities added up to more than the cost of their commute.
Nearly a third – 32% – of workers would also be more likely to work in the office five days a week if it was dog friendly, with features such as a doggy daycare, groomers, and dog walkers.

Dr Nigel Oseland, research fellow at Liverpool John Moores University and workplace strategist, said: “The office must be more attractive than the convenience of working from home by providing a range of amenities that facilitate good value activities. This means becoming a destination for events, both social and work-related, and supporting career development.

“The workplace must promote wellbeing and enhance mental health through better design and working conditions.”

More than a quarter of workers would consider leaving their job if the workplace was poorly designed. As an increasing number of companies look to phase out remote working, design and architecture studio MoreySmith and Yonder surveyed 2,000 UK adults and asked about the importance of the office environment for their wellbeing at work. As well as the 27% who said they would leave a poorly designed workplace, 50% said that the amenities of a workplace would impact their decision on whether to work for a company in the first place, rising to 57% of 25-34 year olds. More than two thirds – 69% – said their office had a direct impact on their mental health, physical health and wellbeing. However, working from the office was highlighted as essential for career progression and development across all age groups. More than half – 53% – of workers said there was greater opportunity for promotion when they are working in the office and are visible to the senior team. MoreySmith has designed headquarters for clients including CBRE, Sony Music, Primark and LVMH. MoreySmith’s founder and principal director, Linda Morey-Burrows, said: “The workplace has become so much more than just a place to work. Companies looking to attract their employees back full time must consider the amenities they are providing their teams and the overall experience of working in a central workplace.” Free benefits are still top of the list for workers– with more than half – 58% – willing to work from the office five days a week if the amenities added up to more than the cost of their commute.Nearly a third – 32% – of workers would also be more likely to work in the office five days a week if it was dog friendly, with features such as a doggy daycare, groomers, and dog walkers. Dr Nigel Oseland, research fellow at Liverpool John Moores University and workplace strategist, said: “The office must be more attractive than the convenience of working from home by providing a range of amenities that facilitate good value activities. This means becoming a destination for events, both social and work-related, and supporting career development. “The workplace must promote wellbeing and enhance mental health through better design and working conditions.”