12.04.2019, 13:18
Top Office Grumbles
Noisy, annoying colleagues and items disappearing from the office fridge top the list of grievances compiled from a YouGov survey of 650 workers for Crown Workspace in the United Kingdom.
Millennials (survey participants aged 25 to 32) had the most to grumble about, with over half (54 per cent) indicating they find colleagues dislikeable, and a similar proportion (50 per cent) confirming their dissatisfaction with old office technology, as well as ‘dislikeable’ bosses. Millennials were also more likely to be unhappy about desk spaces (29 per cent), facilities (42 per cent), office location (30 per cent), and furniture and décor (25 per cent).
By comparison, only 36 per cent of respondents aged between 45 and 54 indicated a dislike for colleagues, and only a third of younger colleagues aged between 18 and 25 identified old technology or a dislike for their boss were issues.
Top office grumbles:
- Dislikeable work colleagues
- Slow or old technology
- Uncomfortable temperature
- Dislikeable bosses
- Poor facilities
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate office space
- Poor office location
- Inadequate deskspace
- Poor décor and furniture
Poll findings on gender
The poll also uncovered differences between the sexes, with 45 per cent of women and 39 per cent of men indicating the temperature of their office was uncomfortable, and 31 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men expressing a dislike of the lighting in their workplace.
Geography
The poll’s findings also suggest workers in London and the East of England are the least happy with their working environments, with a greater incidence of participants indicating they were more disgruntled about all top ten grumbles.
Workers in the South West of England indicated fewer grumbles.
Commenting on the findings, Simon Gammell, Crown Workspace managing director, said:
“At first glance there doesn’t appear to be much that can be done about annoying work colleagues, but looking at how your office space is divided can help enormously. Employers could think about creating different working environments to match different personality types – quiet areas for those who work best on their own, open plan and shared desk spaces for those who like to collaborate, can help to minimise annoyance amongst employees.
“Home from work’ spaces are a great way to improve productivity. Bosses should think about flexible areas such as relaxing sofas where you can kick off your shoes, put your feet up and work. Or kitchen areas that encourage employees to get away from their desks, with shared informal spaces. Employers also need to look at implementing different types of meeting areas – whether that’s bar stools and high tables in the kitchen, through to small spaces where private calls can be made.”
About the YouGov Poll
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2125 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th – 8th March 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
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