In the workplace environment, employees want sunshine and views of the outdoors more than any other feature or amenity, according to a survey by HR advisory firm Future Workplace.
Seeing the light of day in the office was desired by respondents even more than onsite cafeterias, fitness centers, childcare, and more faddish perks such as treadmill desks, nap pods, and being allowed to bring dogs to the office. More than a third of employees feel that they don’t get enough natural light in their workspace, the survey found.
Some 47% of employees say they feel tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window; and 43% report feeling gloomy because of the lack of light. Work-life balance and overall well-being were determined to be the second most important factor when choosing to work for an organization.
Health benefits stemming from access to natural light are motivating some companies to re-invent their workspace and using it as a recruiting tool. Examples include The Spheres, Amazon’s downtown Seattle site that has more than 40,000 plants, and an Airbnb Call Center with extensive open space providing access to natural light and outdoor views and long couches, standing desks, and wireless technology.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2018
U.S. military needs to do more to address climate change risk for facility design
GAO report cites hundreds of overseas facilities in peril.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2018
China Construction America faces billions of dollars in liability in lawsuit
Court filing alleges massive fraud and breaches of contract in Baha Mar Resort Project.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2018
Smart building tech can reap utility savings of 8% to 18% in commercial buildings
Potential for increased deployment of smart building technology is great beyond early adopters.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.