This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Published on September 5, 2019, a study by the Harvard Business School revealed what employees want most from their workspaces. The findings suggest that employees prioritize the basics, including better air quality, access to natural light, and the ability to personalize their workspace.
According to the study, half of the employees surveyed reported that poor air quality makes them sleepier during the day, resulting in lost productivity. More than a third of employees reported up to an hour of lost productivity due to poor air quality.
The study found that air quality and light were the biggest influencers of employee performance, happiness, and wellbeing. In contrast, fitness facilities and technology-based health tools were considered trivial.
“A high-quality workplace — one with natural light, good ventilation, and comfortable temperatures — can reduce absenteeism up to four days a year,” the study reported.
Organisations can improve work environments by focusing on changes that impact all employees, such as air quality and access to light, rather than spending money on pointless perks. Employers should also allow employees to personalize their spaces to suit their different preferences.
Finally, businesses should introduce changes that focus on the physical, emotional, and environmental wellness of employees.
