Dive Brief:
- Most employees find office relocation challenging, but think that the advantages outweigh the stresses, according to a survey by business reviews site Clutch. Sixty-seven percent of the 503 full-time U.S. employees polled said office relocation was challenging, and 30% found it distracting.
- In a press release, Clutch said leaders should be forthcoming with workers about the progress of the search for office space, in addition to considering worker feedback and minimizing challenges, in order to reduce stress and improve the transition. Spaces with new or different amenities for employees may also help to build enthusiasm, the company said.
- Respondents said the biggest advantages of office relocation were a more comfortable workspace (67%), more space to do tasks (61%), a more visually attractive work environment (50%) and higher productivity (48%).
Dive Insight:
Employers might inadvertently overlook the interruptions and inconveniences employees face during an office relocation. But, as the Clutch survey points out, employers can play a large part in helping workers through what can be a stressful, distracting period by coordinating with and engaging stakeholders for feedback.
Some observers have noted a trend toward open, comfortable and more spacious workspaces. Nearly half of workers in a previous Clutch survey said they preferred workspaces with a community atmosphere. Younger workers in particular show a strong interest in co-working spaces, according to a recent report by commercial real estate company BBG.
Besides the placement of desks, employers can play around with other design elements when moving to a new space. One such element is color; both brighter hues and traditional office beige or gray tones have their place and may present an opportunity to reflect an employer's branding.
