As people return to work following the summer break, research reveals that investing in well-maintained workspaces which support personal performance is critical to boosting employee satisfaction. Whilst introducing recreational features like games areas and activity rooms can be popular, less than one in seven (14%) employees say these quirky office designs actually contribute meaningfully towards their satisfaction or productivity.

With almost nine in ten (89%) people who like their workspace saying they are happy with their employer, getting it right when it comes to designing a physical workspace is essential. The report shows that employees are increasingly frustrated by impractical and badly maintained office environments. Almost half (46%) of workers say an uncomfortable or poorly designed physical workplace is a key contributor to job dissatisfaction, while two fifths (40%) cite poor amenities and a lack of breakout rooms as a major issue.

Employees have a clear sense of what they want from their workplace with almost nine in ten (88%) saying a safe and well-maintained office environment is key to satisfaction. Rather than fun design features, there are calls for purposeful investment in the workplace to support performance, creating a space where people can work at their best. This comes as over half (54%) of office-based workers say that workplace related tasks regularly waste time and only a quarter (23%) strongly agree that their workplace is designed in a way that helps them. Failing to strategically invest in high-performing workplaces impacts all levels of a business with almost two thirds (63%) of senior leaders and executives reporting that workplace related issues regularly impact their productivity.

Mark Caskey, Managing Director, Projects, Mitie, said: “The research shows that employee satisfaction is intricately entwined with the physical workspace and how it supports people’s ability to be productive and work to a high standard. Making the right investments is crucial for businesses when creating a thriving environment, this is not about fun office features, but rather it is about investing strategically in workspaces.

“People want places where they can bring their A-game so forgoing the playful perks and focusing on purposeful designs can make all the difference in supporting performance and productivity and fostering long-term colleague satisfaction.”

Research from Mitie, full report here.