Employees place more value on physical elements that support well-being and convenience—such as natural light, views of the outdoors, and food—than on “service” amenities like fitness centers and onsite childcare.
That’s one of the findings of a new survey that examines how workplace experience can boost employee engagement. CBRE’s Workplace practice analyzed responses from more than 1,600 employees in the U.S. and Canada to gauge aspects of the work environment that impact their employee experience.
Future Workplace, an HR advisory and research firm, conducted the survey in partnership with View Inc., a technology company that focuses on creating smart and connected buildings. They sent the survey to employees of all ages, ranging from Generation Zers (4%), millennials (40%) and Gen Xers (38%) to baby boomers (17%) and even the Silent Generation (less than 1% of responses).
There was only marginal generational variation in workplace dissatisfaction levels. Indeed, the majority of those polled (71%) report feeling involved in and enthusiastic about their work and organizations. More than half (57%) said they would recommend their company to someone seeking work.
But the survey wondered just how deep this enthusiasm is, especially when 51% of respondents exhibit low engagement (at best, they are neutral about their workplaces), and 35% exhibit only moderate engagement.
The survey shows that a sizable portion of workers still aren't all that satisfied with their workplace's flexibility or amenities.
The most valued perks or amenities in offices include view of outdoors and natural light (which 53% of respondents cited), an onsite café (44%), a kitchen (37%), and open office space (28%). “Integrated strategically, food is a key element of fostering community and culture within an organization,” the report states. There are also any number of variables that can impact employee engagement, including trust in management and its willingness to listen to new ideas, shared values, opportunities for career advancement, leadership support, and workplace flexibility.
Regardless of how tech savvy they are, employees still want simplicity in the digital tools they use at the office.
The results of the survey reveal that to drive increased engagement and organizational impact, workplace investment should target creating an emotional connection between employees and their employers. When leveraged, the physical environment provides an opportunity to reinforce these emotional elements of workplace experience.
“Trust is reinforced by environments that make employees’ impact and work processes visible. Values are signaled by space allocation hierarchy and investment in experiences that support culture, well-being and ease of work,” says Nina Charnotskaia, Senior Director of CBRE’s Workplace practice.
The survey confirms a trend that’s been happening for a while in workplaces across the country: The office is no longer simply a place for work; it is a destination where employees connect, feel a sense of community, understand organizational objectives and feel their impact on a greater whole.
This “Opportunity Matrix” prioritizes investments toward employee engagement.
CBRE created an “Opportunity Matrix” to guide companies’ prioritization of investment for impact into four actionable quadrants: Improve, Transform, Maintain, and Nurture.
For example, the “transform” quadrant highlights the most impactful elements of experience, including trust in leadership, opportunities for professional development, and experiences that drive organizational culture. These elements need investment to achieve their greatest potential in transforming engagement.
The “nurture” quadrant suggests that employees already feel recognized, supported and valued at work, and they are engaged as a result. These experiences must be nurtured and held to the standards employees are accustomed to or they could challenge engagement in the future.
Treating the workplace as a tool that reflects and supports organizational values changes the priority of certain workplace investments. Commercial real estate leaders must understand what each investment decision is “saying” to employees and optimize it for the intended message.
“If senior management can impact employee engagement positively, it can influence better recruitment and retention of talent,” says Damla Gerhart, Senior Managing Director of CBRE’s Workplace practice.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Form4 designs curved roofs for project at Stanford Research Park
Fabricated of painted recycled aluminum, the wavy roofs at the Innovation Curve campus will symbolize the R&D process and make four buildings more sustainable.
Office Buildings | Jun 7, 2016
Incorporating places to rejuvenate into office design
Workspaces are geared toward socializing and collaboration, but people need quiet, calm places where they can sit alone and focus. Gensler's Penny Lewis offers three ways to design rejuvenation places into office settings.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2016
JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016
Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
Building Team Awards | May 26, 2016
Cimpress office complex built during historically brutal Massachusetts winter
Lean construction techniques were used to build 275 Wyman Street during a winter that brought more than 100 inches of snow to suburban Boston.
Building Technology | May 24, 2016
Tech is the new office perk, says a new survey of American workers
But most employees still see their companies falling on the dull side of the cutting edge.
High-rise Construction | May 17, 2016
Foster + Partners-designed towers approved as part of massive neighborhood redevelopment in San Francisco
One of Oceanwide Center’s buildings will be the city’s second tallest.
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.
