Sodexo has launched a report to understand the continuously adapting workplace environment in the UK today.

There are more baby boomers working in the UK than ever before; mixed-gender boards improve a company’s productivity; and badly designed open plan offices can reduce happiness and productivity – these are just some of the findings from Sodexo’s workplace trends report ‘How Britain works: Key Trends in a Workplace Environment’ released today (9 October 2013). 
  
Debbie White, chief executive of Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “As an employer of 35,000 and a provider of services at workplaces across UK and Ireland, it is crucial that we understand how the workplace is changing and what is important to employees so that we can work towards improving the quality of life where we operate.”

The report identifies three key factors affecting the workplace: social trends, people trends and space trends.

 

Social trends mean the composition of the workforce is changing. While there are more baby boomers in the workplace, the demands and technology of younger employees have a significant influence on how organisations operate. At the same time, more women are occupying senior management roles, with positive results on productivity. A greater emphasis on health and wellbeing mean companies offering employees healthy options and physical activities in the workplace see them more engaged.

 

People trends mean more employees view their work and life as one – more of a work-life flow than a work-life balance. Companies supporting employees with flexible working patterns and technology to work anywhere anytime can see a happier, more productive workforce, particularly if allowed to manage their personal lives during traditional office hours. Employees judged on output rather than hours worked are more productive.

 

Space trends mean organisations offering well-designed, shared workspaces and practices which encourage employees to communicate more, will attract and retain talent better.

 

Read the full report and watch a video foreword.

Back to the list