Employees’ top priority in an office environment is to be able to focus without interruptions, according to research by Oxford Economics.
A global survey of more than 1,200 senior executives and non-management employees found that employees want office designs to foster the ability to concentrate, more than any other factor. Amenities like free food, for instance, are far less important, the research shows.
Managers and employees have much different views on this issue. Nearly two-thirds of executives say employees are equipped with the tools they need to deal with distractions at work; but less than half of employees agree with that notion.
The research suggests that the growing popularity of open-plan offices comes with a cost: Difficulty for many employees to get their work done without distractions. In addition, most managers do not have the technology or strategies in place to deal with these problems.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Jun 11, 2018
Online travel company moves to the 66th floor of the Empire State Building
The new headquarters includes almost 20,000 sf of additional space.
Office Buildings | Jun 6, 2018
Final Cut: Jupiter Entertainment’s new production studio in New York combines office and editing spaces
The project team completed this full-floor renovation in four months.
Office Buildings | May 31, 2018
EarthCam Headquarters features a 25-foot-tall video portal entrance
Watch a time-lapse of the HQ being built from groundbreaking to grand opening.
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: T3 mass timber office buildings
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), architect and mass timber design expert Steve Cavanaugh tells the story behind the nation’s newest—and largest—mass timber building: T3 in Minneapolis.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Office Buildings | May 22, 2018
AAA headquarters embodies a road trip atmosphere
HGA designed the space.
Office Buildings | May 22, 2018
Where fun follows function: New study reemphasizes the value of play in the workplace
Perkins Eastman recommends personalization, access and “linkages,” and variety as design criteria.
Office Buildings | Apr 25, 2018
Cardiff is home to the new BBC Cymru Wales headquarters
Foster + Partners designed the building.
Office Buildings | Apr 23, 2018
Activity-based design takes precedence in new office projects
The latest report by Ted Moudis Associates also finds more space being allocated for amenities and wellness.
Office Buildings | Apr 19, 2018
From fitness to bowling alleys: How commercial office buildings are differentiating themselves through amenities
Here are five ways that amenities can help developers and building owners attract and secure tenants by appealing to their inhabitants.