Top 10 Office Features Most Employees Want

1. Offer office options: When designing a new office space, consider developing spaces that help employees perform different job functions. Note, that this is especially important if the vision is an open office concept. Create rooms for personal workspaces and collaborative spaces. Offering personal or collaborative spaces will allow employees to have places of their own for when they need privacy to do their job or small meeting rooms and workshop spaces for meetings and casual collaboration. Set up for collaboration success by adding whiteboards, projectors and screens, and tack-able walls.

2. Delete distractions: With constant stimulation from collaboration with colleagues, email, text messages, phone calls, or social media notifications, there need to be spaces where employees can “get away” to focus and be comfortable to hit their peak productivity. In “open offices,” 58 percent of high-performing employees said they needed private spaces for problem solving and planning. Bringing in functional and comfortable desks and chairs and designating quiet “do not disturb” spaces will help keep productivity high.

3. Coffee, camaraderie and conversation: According to a recent survey, 85 percent of employees requested some sort of coffee service. Offering an in-office coffee bar or kitchen can save an employee a trip to a local coffee shop for a morning and afternoon caffeine boosts, thus saving them time and money.  Ultimately, this will increase employee productivity. Kitchens are not only an area where employees can store and cook food but it can also serve as an informal gathering place that can encourage camaraderie and creative conversation. 

4. Let there be light: Design the room so that no matter what type of office space it is, employees have access to natural light. Windows in an office space that fill rooms with natural light make employees feel and work better.

5. Privacy please: When employees need to conduct their “other” business, make sure there are enough conveniently located restrooms. In the case of a remodel or redesign from scratch, consider dividing stalls with walls rather than partitions. The walls provide extra privacy and a bit of soundproofing.

6. Monitor office temperatures: Everyone likely has an opinion on what the temperature in the office should be. Try to individualize temperature control as much as you can. If it is unrealistic to provide specific temperature control everywhere, work to install it in meeting, brainstorming or quiet rooms.

7. Reasonably located restaurants: Have desirable restaurants nearby, bonus points if they are walkable, especially if parking is problematic. Employees want to be able to go out to a quality and/or quick lunch nearby.

8. Top technological tools: Depending on the type of work performed, offer video, web and teleconferencing solutions. By having in place technological tools that enhance productivity and streamline work, such as user-friendly printers, copiers and scanners, Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, and cloud-based apps for simple document sharing, you company will stand out as employees are setup for productivity success.

9. Be a green office: Young professionals getting into the workforce, especially millennials, are concerned for the larger environment and the office environment they work in. Utilize recycled materials, energy-conserving technology, and air-purifying plants to create a healthier, green space. Additionally, providing bike storage, on-site gyms and access to walking trails can make for healthier employees.

10. Create culture: Beyond the spaces that are work-focused, create a strong company culture by enhancing employee’s human experience through the addition of ping-pong tables or other types of games, plush couches and coffee stations.

Author Bio

Grant Pruitt, Co-Founder, President, and Managing Director for Whitebox Real Estate, launched the tenant-focused real estate advisory, investment sales, and development firm to specialize in offering a custom-tailored approach to real estate clients. Grant serves as an advocate and advisor for companies who lease or own real estate. He focuses on guiding clients through the entire real estate process, from strategic evaluation to lease negotiation through construction. Connect Grand Pruitt