Innovative tech companies like Google revolutionised the workplace with office amenities such as pool tables, bean bag chairs and entertainment areas, which have gradually become a mainstay in workplaces around the world.
But as with every innovation, there soon emerged a backlash as many argued these perks weren’t designed to enhance the employee experience, but to encourage workers to stay in the office for longer – ergo doing more work.
Here, Anglo Scottish Finance, provider of business finance lease agreements, uncovers the office facilities that employees really want, to help you and your business deliver the winning recruitment formula...
Pool tables are no longer the holy grail…
Never has a piece of office furniture ignited so much debate as the humble pool table. Some see it as the bastion of a relaxed and fun workplace; a way for workers to unwind during their lunch break or before heading home. Others point to the more nefarious purpose of keeping people in the workplace longer.
The results are mixed on the humble pool table. A 2018 Perkbox survey found that it was one of the top three perks offered by workplaces – but a lot has changed since then. A 2022 study by Robin found that tangible perks are less important to employees now, so a pool table likely won’t win you any new hires.
Business leaders are noting that the pool table isn’t considered the office holy grail it once was too. Vestd CEO Ifty Nasir comments: “While many companies like to shout about the office pool table or minibar, we’re seeing people veering away from these sorts of quirky benefits while on the hunt for their next role. Given the cost-of-living crisis, employees are now on the lookout for tangible benefits that offer a true reward for their hard work or help them to achieve their day-to-day duties in the role.”
Space to collaborate climbs the list
Businesses that have issued return-to-office mandates or choose to offer hybrid working instead of fully remote options point to in-person collaboration as the most important aspect of office life. But can that really work without suitable spaces for collaboration?
2023 research from Studio Alliance found that conference rooms was the most searched-for office amenity, pointing to its high demand. Many workers are frustrated by a requirement to be in the office for collaboration, but no space to…collaborate.
This data shows that employees aren’t just interested in office perks that benefit them personally, but that boost their work. If businesses expect office attendance and use collaboration as the reason, they must provide suitable spaces for this collaboration.
Supporting physical health with ergonomic furniture
Workers spend around 7–8 hours a day sitting at our desks (or in meeting rooms) when in the office. So, it stands to reason that ergonomic furniture and proper display screen equipment (DSE) evaluations are important to employees.
Ergonomic equipment was ranked the fifth-most important office amenity in the same Studio Alliance survey, and while DSE assessments are a mandatory requirement, workplaces are under no obligation to action their results. And considering furniture is a common employee complaint, it appears many employers don’t invest in this essential amenity.
It’s worth noting that, as well as improving your employees’ experience, investing in ergonomic furniture can present other business benefits, such as reducing absenteeism and injuries. In fact, almost a third of workplace injuries and illnesses were caused by musculoskeletal problems in 2019!
Green spaces for happiness – even if people don’t know it
While more businesses than ever have been relocating away from busy city centres in recent years, there’s still no guarantee of an office with surrounding green space. We know how important it is to our physical and mental health – and this applies at work too.
Studies have shown that greenery in an office space can reduce stress, improve air quality, boost creativity and even reduce sickness. One study even linked office plants to a 15% increase in productivity!
While employees may not be openly demanding greenery in their offices, the stats speak for themselves. Employees in offices with plants report that they’re happier – and for business leaders, this translates to productivity.
Are office perks enough to attract talent?
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the largest shift in working patterns we’ve seen in the modern world. Hybrid and remote working were not uncommon before lockdowns forced millions of employees to stay away from the office, but now that workers have had a taste of them, many won’t settle for less.
We’re also seeing fewer tangible benefits, like flexible working, suitable pay and health plans, become more important. The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and an ensuing cost-of-living crisis has made employees reevaluate what’s really important to them in the workplace, and it largely boils down to being able to afford to live a decent life and health support.
This doesn’t mean the office environment is dead. If your business operates with an in-person or hybrid work system, you still need to make coming into the office worthwhile. A good place to start is with the basics – ergonomic equipment that will support employees’ physical health, collaboration spaces to maximise office time and greenery and natural light for their mental health benefits.
