The report found that the number one priority for 40% of property directors is now greater employee productivity. The second priority, according to 28%, is attracting and retaining the best talent.
“If companies are looking to be able to attract and retain the best talent they really need to start thinking about employee wellbeing and ways of measuring it from the very first day they start creating their workplace strategy,” said Karl Warmbold, director of facilities and property at law firm DWF.
“Engaging and involving employees in the development of an effective workplace is essential to delivering higher staff adoption, increasing satisfaction and improving the attraction and retention of the best employees.”
The researchers highlighted a link between working space and acquisition and retention of talent. More than eight out of 10 (82%) said that the quality of the office space is very important to the ability to attract and retain the best staff. Sixty-nine per cent of those polled agreed that the right mix of open space, enclosed or quiet space, collaboration/concentration space and social space is needed to create a truly successful working environment.
The report also found that more people are now working outside of traditional offices. Half of the property directors surveyed reported an increase in the use of non-owned space such as coffee shops. More than four in five (86%) respondents thought that the use of non-owned space should be planned for when drawing up a workplace strategy.
Nick Cook, principal and managing director of commercial real estate services firm Avison Young UK, said that a significant competitive advantage can be gained by considering workspace design.
“Early adopters like DFW understand what it takes to create a workplace that brings out the best in people to deliver business advantage,” he said. “If the others want to remain competitive they will delay at their peril.”
