Hot on the heels of research showing that nearly one in three workers think theyíre crowded by their colleagues(1), a new survey(2) shows that an overwhelming 87 per cent of workers believe that they should be more involved in the design and layout of their workplace.
The research by TNS among more than 750 workers for leading construction recruitment firm Consensus is part of an annual study into workplace and the built environment. Consensus managing director Martin Tyrrell
explained: íWith companies thinking more about staff health and wellbeing, itís worth considering not just how staff are treated when they are working but how conducive the workplace is to comfort, productivity and low stress. Involving staff at the design or fit-out stage can create a real sense of ownership and pride, as well as diffusing the problems that can grow and fester when staff feel they are cramped or poorly sited at work.í
Sean Collins, architect at Child, Graddon, Lewis architects said: íIncreasingly, businesses are finding the concept of communicating with their staff early on in the process more acceptable. It is vital to involve the people that are actually going to spend a long part of their day in an environment. We regularly hold focus groups with client employees to engage them in the process and make it a more positive, consultative and successful one.í
Consensus has a big reputation for workplace health and wellbeing. As major staff suppliers they know that the staff they supply to architecture, design and building companies need to feel valued and happy at work. But Consensus extends this to its own permanent staff to complete the cycle of happy, productive and fulfilled people right across the sector.
87% of workers believe they should help design their workplace
Designing comfort and productivity into the workplace
