10 Features Employees Want In Their Office

The whole “startup culture” surrounding booming tech companies in the Boston area has quickly trickled down to pre-established companies. Napping rooms, free food, and pool tables have suddenly become the norm as businesses continue to impress their employees and potential hires.

Little do employers know however that it’s the little things in life that make employees happy and satisfied in their workplace. We’ve gathered a list of the most requested amenities and features employees want in their office.

10 Most-Requested Office Features

1. Ergonomic & Comfortable Chair. Given the fact that the majority of your employee’s time is spent at a desk, it’s important to have comfortable chairs. An estimated 31 million Americans experience low back pain which usually stems from sitting for long periods of time in minimally-supportive chairs.
2. Functional Desk. You may be thinking “A desk is a desk” — but not so fast. These days, it’s best to give your employees options. The rise of the standing or convertible sit/stand desk has gained in popularity as people have become increasingly conscious about their health. One thing is for certain, make sure the desk is large enough to each employee to have some personal space.
3. Refreshments in Break Room. Taking those 10-15 minute power breaks throughout the day are sacred to your employees. One thing that will make their break all the better is by offering coffee, tea or other refreshments available in the break room. Not only will the coffee or tea increase productivity, but also bolster socializing between employees.
4. Clean Office. Nothing impedes productivity more than a cluttered office. With minimalist office spaces and interior designs on the rise, we suggest thinking long and hard about what items are vital to have in your office. Kitchens, refrigerators, cubicles and bathrooms should also be cleaned on a routine basis.
5. Temperature Preferences. They don’t call summer the “women’s winter” for no reason. If your building allows for multiple temperature settings, then allow your employees to choose which area of the building they prefer to work in based on that temperature setting.
6. Small Conference Rooms. Much of the work done for your company is done in small groups, so why not provide a small conference space for those groups to work in? These rooms will prevent other employees from being distracted, while they can also free up the larger conference rooms for other, more formal, meetings.
7. Improved Restrooms. We understand that you want to maximize your space in your office building, but don’t neglect the space needed for a comfortable and updated restroom. These days, employees want more restroom privacy with amenities such as mouthwash, mints and toothpicks.
8. Updated Office Equipment. How many times have you heard someone complain about the printer, scanner, or internet? In an increasingly digital world, you should expect to update your office equipment once every 3-5 years. Don’t forget that the younger workforce will also not tolerate slow internet, so we suggest contacting your service provider for an upgrade.
9. Natural Light. One of the biggest complaints employees make about their office is the issue of not having enough natural light. When working at a desk from 9-5, being able to see the great outdoors can drastically improve both the health and well-being of your employees. This is also one of the most highly-requested features for those looking to buy or lease commercial Real estate.
10. Nearby Stores & Restaurants. On average, Americans commute 25 minutes to work — and this time is significantly higher for those in the greater Boston area. If your employees are already traveling great lengths to get to the office, then why not have the office close to storefronts and restaurants? Not having to travel far to grab a bite to eat on a Friday is always a great feature.

If your office doesn’t include a majority of these highly-requested office amenities, then perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. At Quinn & Associates, we can provide a PDF of all the featured amenities for any property we have listed. Simply give us a call at (508) 588-5600 or contact us online to request more details.