Why should your employee preferences be important?

Engaged employees have higher levels of job satisfaction leading to 17% increased performance and 87% less likely to leave their jobs, according to a study from Divvy Engagement Solutions. This proves that high employee satisfaction is not just a ‘nice to have’ but a strategic advantage. 

Understanding your employees’ preferences is important in creating a workplace that supports productivity and well-being. When you design the workplace to meet employee needs, you foster both engagement and productivity.

Distractions, stress, and lack of focus can harm performance. They can also lower employee satisfaction and overall morale. When employees work in environments that suit their preferences, they become more engaged and produce better results. This is where tools like Measuremen’s Habital app are useful. They provide important data that helps organisations create better workspaces.

In this blog, we will look at how employee preferences impact productivity. We will discuss the importance of flexible work environments. We will also see how the Habital app can connect employee needs with workspace design.

Productivity and workplace distractions

Workplace distractions are a silent productivity killer. Research indicates that people take an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after distractions. Nearby conversations, constant notifications, and harsh lighting can distract employees. These disruptions make it harder for them to focus.

Research shows that 70% of office workers say they are more productive when the office is less noisy. The rise of flexible workspaces and open-office layouts, while often designed for collaboration, has unintentionally amplified distractions. Collaboration is important. However, without quiet spaces, employees may struggle to focus. Because deep work needs a distraction-free environment.

For example, casual conversations or background noise might seem like small issues, but they significantly affect concentration levels. Gallup found that 50% of employees believe they’d be more productive in distraction-free environments. Even with this awareness, only 1.6% of offices have focus booths. This shows a gap between what employees need and how modern workspaces are designed.

The importance of flexibility

The modern workforce seeks more control over how and where they work. Employees today prefer environments that enable them to perform at their best, depending on the task at hand. Flexible working models, like Activity-Based Working (ABW), meet these needs. They let employees pick spaces that fit their activities. This approach offers employees autonomy, which studies have shown to directly correlate with job satisfaction and well-being.

Measuremen’s research shows that flexibility in workspace design significantly impacts how employees perform. IWG’s Global Workspace Survey found that today 70% of employees are working at least one day a week somewhere other than the office and more than half of employees work remotely for half of the week or more. Additionally, research from Tilburg University shows a link between job autonomy and higher job satisfaction. Meaning that employees who have more control over their work environments are more engaged and productive.

These findings show how important it is to provide different types of workspaces. Some should be quiet for deep focus. Others should be collaborative to promote teamwork and sharing ideas. Companies that invest in flexible work environments increase satisfaction. They also see better performance, less absenteeism, and higher retention rates.

Adapting to a changing workforce

As we approach 2025, experts expect millennials and Gen Z workers to make up 75% of the global workforce. These generations bring different expectations regarding flexibility, purpose, and work environments. A Deloitte study found that 64% of millennials would leave their job for one with better flexibility. This shows how important it is for companies to adapt to these changing needs.

Younger workers also place greater importance on mental and physical well-being. This shift requires companies to create work environments that reduce stress, eliminate unnecessary distractions, and support diverse work styles. This may include quiet spaces for focus and areas where teams can work together.

Aligning workspaces with employee preferences

At Measuremen, we believe that data-driven decisions are key to improving workspace design. We created the Habital app to gather and analyse data on what employees prefer and need. By asking simple, targeted questions, Habital gathers insights about employees’ personalities, job roles, and workspace preferences.

For example, if many employees report that noise distracts them, organisations can use this information. They can then create solutions to reduce noise, like adding acoustic panels or quiet zones. The goal is not just to improve the physical environment but also to create a workplace where employees feel heard and valued. When employees feel that their preferences receive recognition, they become more engaged and motivated. This directly affects their performance and teamwork with others.

Aligning workspace design with employee preferences has clear benefits. It boosts productivity, lowers stress, and increases job satisfaction. Companies that prioritise these adjustments are better equipped to retain top talent and create a positive work culture.

How to align your workplace with employee preferences

The first step to creating a better work environment is gathering actionable feedback from your employees. Habital helps by providing quick, user-friendly surveys that allow companies to collect valuable insights. This information helps organisations to make informed decisions about workspace design, ensuring that it aligns with employee needs.

For example, if many employees report the need for more quiet zones, the company can introduce focus areas. Or if employees want more spaces for collaboration, redesigning some areas for group work can improve team synergy. 

Conclusion: Put employee preferences first

Your employees are the foundation of your business. By understanding and meeting their workspace preferences, you foster a more productive, engaged, and motivated workforce. Habital provides the insights needed to design workspaces that truly reflect your team’s needs.

Curious about how your workspace can make a difference? Download the free version of Habital today and discover how to enhance your office productivity.