People want performance over quirky features in their offices

A new report claims that employees are less interested in quirky office features and more concerned about how well their workplaces support performance. Mitie’s latest Productivity Reset Report [registration requires you to receive marketing – you can’t opt out] highlights that while games areas and other recreational facilities may generate headlines, only 14 percent of employees believe such features contribute meaningfully to workplace satisfaction or productivity. In contrast, almost nine in ten (88 percent) said that a safe, well-maintained office is a critical factor in their day-to-day working experience.

The report says that the poll highlights the growing importance of purposeful investment in office environments. Nearly half of workers (46 percent) pointed to uncomfortable or poorly designed workplaces as a major source of job dissatisfaction, while 40 percent said that poor amenities and a lack of breakout spaces were significant problems. For many, frustrations extend beyond comfort and design. More than half (54 percent) of office-based employees said that workplace-related tasks regularly waste time, and only 23 percent strongly agreed that their workplace is designed to help them perform effectively.

The data also suggests a strong link between workspace satisfaction and broader employee engagement. Among those who reported liking their workplace, 89 percent also said they were happy with their employer. Conversely, a lack of investment in the physical environment can have a direct impact at every level of an organisation. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of senior leaders reported that workplace-related issues regularly affect their productivity.

Mark Caskey, Managing Director of Projects at Mitie, said the findings show that businesses need to prioritise practical improvements over cosmetic perks. “Employee satisfaction is intricately tied to the physical workspace and how it supports people’s ability to perform,” he said. “This is not about fun office features, but about investing strategically in workspaces. People want places where they can bring their best, and purposeful design can make all the difference in supporting long-term satisfaction and productivity.”