According to a new survey, nearly one-quarter of British workers (23%) rejected job offers due to their dislike for the office environment.
The figure increases to 32 percent for younger workers, aged 18-24. This highlights the importance of having high-quality offices, especially for the next generation.
This study was commissioned by the real estate investment company Castleforge. It highlights the importance of well-designed and amenity-rich offices in today’s competitive job market. Londoners are particularly selective. A third of workers in the city admit to having declined a position due to poor conditions.
Over half of respondents (51%) value proximity to social spaces like restaurants, bars and gyms. Nearly half of respondents (46%) think that having their own amenities in the office, such as cafes, gyms and showers, enhances their experience at work.
Two-fifths of employees (41%) say they are more productive at the office, despite the appeal of remote work. The preference for younger workers is even greater: more than half (55%) feel that they are more productive when commuting to the office. The survey highlights both the benefits and the disadvantages of remote working. Thirty percent of respondents reported that hybrid work patterns had a negative effect on their social life. The percentage rises to 44% among younger workers.
What about sustainability?
The sustainability of a company is also a key factor in determining job choice. 31 percent of respondents said they would reject a job from a firm with poor environmental practices. The sentiment is strongest among young workers. Nearly half (49%) say they would refuse a job offer from a company with poor sustainability practices.
Michael Kovacs – Founding Partner of Castleforge – highlighted the changing role that office spaces play post-pandemic. “In an increasing competitive market for the top talent, companies will stand out with the best-in class office environments and desirable locations.”
Research also shows that attitudes towards office attendance have changed, with 31 % of workers choosing to come into the office on days where it is not mandatory. In addition, 80 percent believe that office attendance is important for career advancement, especially in learning more about their role.
Castleforge has invested around PS1 billion in real estate since its founding in 2010. This includes flexible workspaces, under the Clockwise brand, in the UK and Europe. In the new hybrid workplace, businesses are increasingly looking for sustainable, high-quality office environments to attract and retain top talent.
