Corporate leaders see amenities as a means to entice employees back into the office, but often these features do not align with what workers actually desire. A recent report from MRI Software and CoreNet Global highlights this disconnect, which can result in a negative workplace experience and potentially lead to resistance against returning to the office or even employee turnover.
The Study
MRI Software and CoreNet surveyed 200 national and international employees across various industries about their top desired amenities out of a list of 19 options. The results showed that air quality was ranked as the most important amenity by respondents. However, when asked about how much employers were implementing this feature, it came in second place behind efficiency.
Other notable discrepancies included:
– Amenity-rich environments: While individuals ranked this fourth on their desired list, it was only implemented at number ten.
– Biophilia: This feature was ranked tenth by individuals but implemented at number four.
– Living lab testing for new workplace designs: Individuals placed this twelfth on their list while implementation came in at sixteenth.
– Demountable designs (moveable walls/partitions): Implementation for these features landed at thirteenth place despite being ranked sixteenth by individuals.
The Disconnect Between Employee Desires & Corporate Priorities
According to the report’s findings, individual contributors prioritize immediate benefits such as air quality and mental well-being while corporations tend to focus more on cost savings and meeting ESG mandates. This disparity suggests that there is an overarching emphasis on long-term organizational goals like sustainability rather than catering directly towards employee needs.
Carla Hinson , Vice President of North America Solutions for MRI Software stated “It’s clear that organizations are trying hard to offer attractive amenities…[but] efforts will likely lose steam if organizations [and employees] have different perspectives.”
Bridging The Gap Between Desired Amenities & Implemented Features
To address these differences between what employees want versus what corporations offer , business leaders should consider the following steps:
– Tailor offerings: Understanding what employees value and desire can help create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
– Consider regional differences: Factors like infrastructure and regulations may vary by region, so it’s important to take these into account when making decisions about lease agreements, retrofits, or new builds.
– Align stakeholders: It’s crucial for corporations to understand the gaps between employee desires and implemented features. By understanding individual needs as well as managerial priorities, businesses can strive towards creating a balanced workplace experience.
– Communicate openly : Keeping employees informed about amenities such as energy efficiency initiatives or accessibility improvements promotes transparency within the company while also increasing engagement.
As more employers mandate full or partial returns to office policies , it becomes increasingly important for companies to provide a positive workplace experience that fosters productivity and collaboration among employees. Hinson advises organizations “to pay close attention” to employee preferences in order “to contribute [towards] business performance.”
