What attracts workers to a workplace

A recent study conducted by Hassell Architects and Empirica Architects examined the role of the physical workspace in choosing a job. This Australian study has uncovered some interesting facts about the link between people, design and culture in our national workplace landscape.

After surveying 1000 respondents upon applying for hyperthetical jobs, the study came up with the following results:

What Kind Of Workers Participated In The Study?

The study was conducted across 4 states and five industry sectors; Tech, Government, Finance, Professional Services, Resources and Engineering. Participants were also balanced for age and gender.

The Top 3 Deciding Factors That Attract Us To A Workplace:

Interestingly, a combined 48% of workers were attracted to culture and workplace facilities, which overtakes the number of workers attracted to salary. Even more surprising is that technology seems to be the least appealing factor in hunting for a new job.

So what does this mean for workplace design? Steve Coster, head of the Commercial and Workplace division at HASSELL acknowledges that this study is only a small part of the research process, yet what it shows us is design’s unmistakable commercial value. 

"We can show that the expression of identity, through design, has a significant role to play in attracting new talent to an organisation." 

Workplace Facilities

The study found that workplace facilities were more important to participants than aesthetics , with specific facilities such as on-site car parking and food and drink outlets favoured over facilities like child care or End Of Trip Facilities.

What Does This Mean For BRM Projects’ Clients?

Quite simply, studies like this, although limited and ‘pilot’ in nature, have long term implications for the way we see workplaces in general. As the Australian workplace continues to evolve, it is imperative that organizational leaders recognize the factors that not only attract talent but retain it as well. 

Our work in change management and workplace culture, together with our office design and property advisory services will continue to develop in response to such studies as we discover new and exciting findings every day!

Is your workplace reaching its full potential?

Contact us at BRM Projects to discuss your ideas for your workplace today!