A significant portion of British employees feel their workplaces do not support productivity.
- A report from HqO highlights real estate challenges impacting productivity.
- 34% of British workers find their workplace design lacks productivity support.
- Sustainable and high-quality work environments are becoming crucial for success.
- Data-driven strategies are essential for enhancing workplace experiences.
A report published by HqO reveals that a significant 34% of British employees feel that their workplace fails to enable productive work. This finding emerges from a comprehensive 2024 ‘State of Real Estate Experience (REX)’ report that taps into global data from nearly 400,000 employees across almost 200 organisations. It highlights the challenges faced by real estate stakeholders, including property owners and operators, in adapting to evolving workplace needs.
Chase Garbarino, Co-Founder and CEO of HqO, noted the precarious situation in the real estate sector, exacerbated by high vacancy rates and slow economic growth. He emphasised the importance of providing high-quality workspaces to enhance productivity and employee engagement. Garbarino stated, “While the overall economic picture is challenging, there are opportunities for owners and operators who focus on providing high-quality, real estate experiences within their spaces to succeed.”
The report further underscores the need for organisations to understand and leverage employee sentiments and preferences. Over two-thirds of employees acknowledged that workplace design significantly influences their enjoyment and engagement in the office. Samuel Warren, VP of HqO (EMEA), stressed the importance of this understanding, stating that businesses need to make data-driven decisions to improve workplace environments and drive growth.
Sustainability is emerging as a forefront concern within workplace environments. Findings from Deloitte show that 69% of employees desire their companies to invest in sustainability. However, HqO data indicates a disconnect, with 43% of employees sensing that their workplaces do not contribute effectively to environmental sustainability. Addressing these concerns through investments in decarbonising assets and improving operational efficiency could bridge this gap.
Adopting a customer-centric, data-driven approach is vital for transforming workplace experiences. Focusing on fundamental needs, such as providing quality desks, chairs, refreshments, cleanliness, and temperature control, can foster a stable and comfortable work environment. This approach not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also benefits the broader business metrics, driving tenant retention and operational efficiencies.
Real estate stakeholders must adopt data-driven, sustainable strategies to enhance workplace productivity and meet employee needs.
