How does workplace design affect employee satisfaction?

A 2019 Staples Workplace Survey revealed that workers continue to resist the one-size-fits-all mentality when it comes to office design, particularly open office plans. 52% of employees said that the open office layout creates distractions.

Workers crave choice when it comes to their work environment, with 90% of them saying that more flexible work arrangements and schedules would increase morale. Even more telling is that two-thirds of employees (about 67%) said they would consider leaving their job if work arrangements became less flexible.

“Employees no longer embrace the traditional 9-to-5, and instead seek an environment that accommodates the fact that their needs may change day-to-day,” said Chris DeMeo, vice president of Staples Brand Group. “It may be a leap of faith for offices used to the old ways of doing things, but it’s one that could yield dividends in terms of recruitment, retention, and productivity.”

In addition to flexibility, employees want a healthy place to work, with 41% of workers saying they would take a 10% pay cut for a job that cares more about their well-being.

Still, employers have a ways to go when it comes to meeting these needs. About 42% of employers have a wellness program and a measly 22% of workers said their offices have a dedicated wellness room.