Young talent needs ëbreak outí spaces in which to thrive

Only a very small fraction of UK businesses offer any break out areas or facilities in which their employees can seek inspiration, a survey by serviced office provider MWB Business Exchange and YouGov has discovered. Only 6% of those questioned said that their company had any such areas in their office, while 21% of respondents identified availability of break out areas as a key factor in influencing their choice of employer.

The majority of those who said that such areas were key factors when it comes to choosing prospective employers were in the younger age brackets of 18-24 and 25-34. The research indicates that if companies want to attract and foster young talent in order to grow and secure their business, they must ensure that there are areas where this creativity can be harnessed, away from the main working space.

Freelance communications consultant Tom Conway-Gordon (29), who has worked in numerous creative offices across London, said: ìBreak out areas where I can talk frankly and openly away from my desk to discuss new ideas or to focus on project specifics are essential. Removing myself from the demands of my email, telephone and other desk distractions allows me to give 100% attention to my colleagues and their requests for creative input and feedback. ì

ìThese figures show that break out areas are crucial and that not enough offices are dedicating space in which employees can seek inspiration and brainstorm ideas, effectively hindering the creativity and effectiveness of staff and with that, the business in its entirety,î commented John Spencer, Chief Executive of MWB Exchange. ìThe lack of such areas is also potentially preventing companies from attracting the cream of young talent, especially when younger jobseekers place such an onus on whether businesses have break out areas or not.î

The rise to prominence of internet and technology firms and their strong beliefs in the importance of ëchill outí and creative areas, where staff can escape from their desks are key in keeping staff motivated and happy, leading to higher all round business productivity.