Office design firm Peldon Rose surveyed 1,000 UK adults who work from the office at least one day a week, asking how they feel about office work and what employers can do to make the office more appealing.
Of those asked, 61% said they wished for a better atmosphere and 56% said they would work from the office more often if the space were upgraded to better suit their preferences.
The authors of the research noted that “offices were once lively spaces where employees collaborated in person and office culture was central to corporate life, and many businesses now struggle to recreate that energy in a virtual setting”.
Over half (55%) of UK employees work in the office because they are required to, not because they prefer it and 55% of UK employees reported that their company mandates a set number of office days a week, making it the most common reason for in-person attendance. However, only 30% of respondents believe they can improve connections with colleagues in the office, and even fewer – 27% – feel more productive there.
Interestingly, only 20% of participants said they enjoy going into the office because they see their colleagues as friends, or to establish clearer work-life boundaries. Distractions at home are not a significant issue for most, with only 12% choosing the office to avoid them.
Furthermore, 27% of UK employees say they’d like breakout spaces in their offices, and 30% would feel more comfortable if they had them available.
The top desired office feature for UK employees is refreshments, such as snacks, coffee machines, and free soft drinks, with 37% saying it would boost productivity. Employees in marketing, advertising, and PR value this the most.
Lack of Planning
Many areas of the UK outside of London value car parking, with 37% of employees wanting this perk. Physical office features are also highly valued, with just under a third (31%) of employees wishing for more meeting rooms, and 38% of employees saying they don’t have these at all, despite being essential for in-person collaboration.
Plants and personal storage are also popular, with 29% and 28% of employees wanting them, respectively. Greenery boosts mood and makes office spaces a more pleasant place to be, while personal storage makes employees feel more valued—though 65% lack access to it.
Around 27% of employees desire allocated desks and breakout spaces, and 30% say they’d be more comfortable if these spaces were available. Ergonomic office setups, including second screens and comfortable chairs, are on the wishlist for 27% of employees. Other popular features include private kitchens (27%), access to a gym (25%), and outdoor working spaces (25%).
Leeson Medhurst, head of strategy at Peldon Rose, said, “Effective office space planning is key to creating an inspiring environment. Vibrant colours, comfortable seating areas, and greenery can liven up the space. Creating areas for both collaboration and relaxation is essential.”
He added, “Personalised workspaces are crucial. Providing secure storage, ergonomic furniture, and the ability to personalise workstations can make the office more appealing. The best way to understand what will motivate employees to come into the office is to ask them directly. Gathering feedback through surveys or conversations and incorporating common themes into the office design can create a space where employees genuinely want to spend their time.”
