Office workers value flexible working options more than any other employment benefit, but there are crucial differences between what men and women want from their employer according to new research released from Ambius, experts in interior landscaping.
A survey of 1,000 office workers in the US and UK found that men value health insurance above any other work perk, whereas women would prefer more flexibility in their office job, such as options for remote working or adaptable hours.
Health insurance is four times more important to US office workers (41%) than office workers in the UK (11%), where health care is often taken for granted by many employees due to the existence of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
US office workers in southeastern states (51%) value health care more than workers anywhere else in the country, whereas midwestern workers (23%) value vacation leave significantly more than workers on the west coast (9%).
One thing office workers agree on is the importance of office environment to their overall job satisfaction, with 90% of employees saying that the layout and design features of their office is a major factor in whether they are happy at work.
Half of office workers (50%) say they would not accept a job offer without looking at the workspace. Men appear to be a little more interested in their workspace than women, with 40% of men saying they have declined a job offer because they didn’t find the office space attractive or appealing compared to 34% of women.
Play areas are twice as important to men (9%) than women (4%), while people who work in accounting, banking and finance are twice as likely (22%) to crave bright colors than health care workers (10%) or people in public services and administration (9%).
Energy and utility workers say they value hot drinks and complimentary beverages more than any other benefit, including health care and vacation leave.
Office workers spend less time outdoors than prisoners
Within this research, Ambius revealed that that office workers spend just 47 minutes outside during a typical working day, which is less than prisoners, who require at least one hour of outdoor exposure each day, according to UN guidelines.
One-in-three office workers (35%) spend no more than 15 minutes outside during their working day, while only 26% say they spend more than an hour outside each day, excluding time spent commuting.
It is, therefore, not surprising that most office workers (64%) say that natural lighting is a highly-important office feature. However, despite this lack of outdoor exposure, only 18% of office workers believe that outside areas are important to their job satisfaction.
Ambius encourages companies who are prioritizing talent recruitment and retention to explore workplace design improvements that facilitate better health and well-being.
Related Stories
Architects | May 16, 2016
3 strategies to creating environments that promote workplace engagement
VOA's Pablo Quintana writes that the industry is looking for ways to increase engagement through a mix of spaces suited to employees' desire for both privacy and connection.
Office Buildings | May 9, 2016
Can you make a new building as cool as a warehouse?
CannonDesign's Robert Benson insists that the industry needs to start looking at traditional office spaces differently.
Building Tech | Apr 13, 2016
The Hyperchair gives employees access to their own personal set of climate controls
Not only can the Hyperchair reduce heating and cooling costs and maximize employee comfort, but it can help a company become more environmentally friendly, as well.
Architects | Mar 20, 2016
Ars Gratia Artis: A North Carolina architect emphasizes the value of art in its designs
Turan Duda says clients are receptive, but the art must still be integral to the building’s overall vision.
Office Buildings | Mar 16, 2016
Google releases new plans and renderings of its Mountain View campus
The original canopy design scheme is still in place, but the plans now call for it to be opaque.
Office Buildings | Mar 10, 2016
Expedia unveils design for Seattle waterfront campus
Transparency and outdoor areas will give the complex a Pacific Northwest vibe.
Office Buildings | Mar 9, 2016
CBRE: Workplace wellness on the rise
As insurance premiums and deductibles continue to rise, both employees and employers are evaluating options to improve their wellbeing, writes CBRE Healthcare Managing Director Craig Beam.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2016
Real estate execs measure success by how well they manage ‘talent,’ costs, and growth
A new CBRE survey finds more companies leaning toward “smarter” workspaces.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2016
HDR redesigns Twin Cities' studio to have coffee shop vibe
With open spaces, huddle rooms, and a design lab, the firm's new digs are drastically different than the old studio, which felt like working in a law office. Design Principal Mike Rodriguez highlights HDR's renovation plan.
Office Buildings | Mar 1, 2016
SmithGroupJJR and The Christman Company create a financial headquarters without the drab
The “un-bank” design ditched the stuffy design elements typical of financial institutions and, instead, created something much more inviting.