London office workers want better quality workspaces, not superficial perks

London office workers are more interested in better quality workspaces than superficial perks such as free breakfasts and lunches, according to research from independent property consultancy, BPS London, with 63 per cent saying they would be more willing to work from the office more regularly if their workplace was more modern, comfortable and better equipped.

BPS London commissioned a survey of over 1,000 London office workers to understand how often they currently work from the office, how they feel about their workplace environment and what would encourage them to spend more time there.

The survey found that while office attendance has returned to some extent, around half of London office workers still spend two days or less in the office each week. At the same time, just 47 per cent said they enjoy their current office environment, with the remainder describing it as simply “okay” or worse.

When asked what would make them more likely to work from the office more often, location, commute and flexibility ranked highest overall. However, when it came to the office itself, workers placed far greater importance on the quality of the environment than on free food or social events.

Better outdoor space was one of the most attractive workplace improvements, alongside more comfortable breakout areas, gyms and wellbeing facilities, and quiet areas where employees could work away from the noise and distraction of the wider office. Better ventilation, improved technology and more natural light also ranked highly amongst London workers.

In contrast, the commonly touted free breakfast or lunch, often used by employers to reward or incentivise workers, was found to be the least attractive workplace incentive.

The survey also found that workers would rather see employers invest in higher quality office facilities and design, as well as more wellbeing benefits outside of the office, than in staff perks or gifts, office parties and social events, or free lunches.

According to BPS London, the findings highlight a growing disconnect between what London workers now expect from the workplace and what many existing office environments currently provide.

The firm believes that while employers continue to focus on superficial perks, many workers are looking for workplaces that support their wellbeing, productivity and day-to-day experience, particularly in the post-pandemic era where employees have become more selective about when and why they travel into the office.

Commenting on the findings, Mahir Vachani, Director at BPS London Developments, said: “Too many employers are still focusing on surface-level perks in the hope of tempting people back into the office, but our research shows that workers are looking for something much more meaningful.

“There remains a significant disconnect between what workers want and what much of London’s current office stock is offering. We believe that is creating a major opportunity to deliver the kind of fit-for-purpose workspace that businesses and their employees increasingly expect.”