Office design key to staff morale

New research has revealed the importance of office design for staff recruitment and retention, with 79% of office workers stating that a well-designed office would motivate them to accept a job.

What’s more, nearly three quarters (73%) would be more likely to leave their job if their workspaces aren’t designed with mental health in mind

The research was conducted by leading global water filtration and dispenser brand, BRITA VIVREAU and is available in a new report - H2O – Home to Office.

With research showing poor mental health costs UK businesses £45 million every year and the demand for mental health support services being at its highest rate ever, there is no better time for employers to support the positive mental wellbeing of their workers.

“Research has shown that happy staff, really are better staff. If businesses ensure they’re creating a positive environment, they’ll reap the benefits when it comes to their productivity, and we might all be better off as a result,” comments Ben Channon, Director at Ekkist (the architecture firm that focuses on design for wellbeing), contributor to the report.

Sustainability also has a crucial role to play. Eighty-two per cent say it’s now more important to them than ever and nearly half (43%) say they have missed working as a team. This demonstrates the need for organisations to also consider how they can offer a sustainable, collaborative and mindful environment for their employees.

Fellow contributor, DaeWha Kang, Lead Designer, DaeWha Kang Design (award-winning architecture and design studio), comments: “Anything businesses can do to anchor people so that they feel taken care of is really going to benefit their bottom line. Get people to tell you how they feel about their environment. There are a lot of tweaks that can be made, without needing a new fit out.”

Rebecca Fairfield, Head of Key Accounts at BRITA VIVREAU said: “After such a tough period, we want to support businesses in ensuring their employees feel safe and comfortable returning to the office. Research has shown there is a clear relationship between workspace design and employee happiness and by creating a positive work environment, organisations can boost productivity and support their staff.”