SA employees rate caffeine more important than safetyA recent survey of 12 000 office workers nationwide has revealed a few surprise findings.
The poll revealed the likes, loathes and wants from South Africans at their workplace, where they spend about a third of their lives.
Richard Andrews, managing director of Inspiration Office, an Africa-wide office space and furniture consultancy, said: “We asked people what was the most important thing for them in the workplace and 95% said access to good tea and coffee.
“This topped the list ahead of security (91%) and a healthy environment (87%) of what South Africans see as the most important in the workplace.”
Rounding out the most important things was natural light (85%), greenery (71%), canteens (65%) and comfortable chairs (52%).
“Essentially, it’s all the smaller things that people really need to be happy in the workplace,” said Andrews.
The poll also quizzed people on their biggest annoyances at work.
Top of the list was loud colleagues, followed by colleagues who “smelled up the place” by eating lunch at the desk.
Third was “unbearable bosses.”
“It seems as many offices move to open plan design...the trend of squeezing more people into less space has brought workers in closer proximity to each other. There is nowhere to hide from other peoples’ habits.
“People talking loudly on the phone, endlessly talking to colleagues and making a general ruckus (88%) topped the list of the biggest peeve.” He said that bad bosses (66%) was in third place, particularly those that were hyper-critical as well as micro managers. Lack of privacy also featured, with just over 50% citing that as an office downside.
Other strong office dislikes were dreary office spaces; long meetings; dress codes and working hours.
When asked about the best things about the workplace, the social aspect of meeting new people and becoming friends with certain colleagues topped the list of 80% of respondents.
Also favourable was the “learning and personal development” that the workplaces offered (61%), followed by “a place to make money” at 49%.
Filling out the remaining office positives were stimulation, sense of worth and contribution to society.
Andrews said that more businesses in South Africa were moving to address concerns such as those highlighted by the survey.
“Quiet spaces, places to make private calls and a trend towards more comfortable and relaxed spaces will improve the day to day office experience.”
NEWS24