In a recent study conducted by facilities transformation company Mitie, it was found that poorly designed and maintained workplaces are costing the UK economy a staggering £71.4 billion in GDP every year. This research, based on a survey of approximately 3,000 UK employees, reveals that workplace friction, such as inadequate building maintenance, uncomfortable furniture, and a lack of suitable working spaces, is greatly impacting productivity across the country.
According to the study, employees are losing an average of 68 minutes per week to unproductive tasks caused by these issues, with full-time staff experiencing an even greater loss of 74 minutes. This translates to a loss of £485 million in salaries every week across the national workforce. Furthermore, nearly half of employees (46%) cited an uncomfortable or poorly designed workplace as a major cause of job dissatisfaction. In contrast, 89% of those satisfied with their workplace reported being satisfied with their employer, compared to only 23% of dissatisfied employees.
Helen Beebe, UK Managing Director at workplace furniture supplier AJ Products, stresses the importance of addressing these findings. “The workplace environment is often overlooked when performance or morale declines, but this research shows just how much it truly matters,” she states. “Neglecting old furniture, poor layouts, and unwelcoming spaces can slowly erode employee satisfaction, ultimately affecting productivity and retention. Businesses that prioritize the physical environment as a means of supporting their employees tend to see the benefits in their team’s performance.”
For businesses looking to take action, there is an added incentive this month. AJ Products is running a competition throughout September, open to UK customers who invest in improving their workplace. This is just one of the steps businesses can take to close the gap highlighted by this research.
About AJ Products:
AJ Products is a global supplier of workplace furniture, dedicated to creating ergonomic, sustainable, and innovative solutions for modern work environments. With a focus on “Happiness at Work,” their product range for offices, warehouses, industrial facilities, schools, canteens, and changing rooms includes over 15,000 items in a modern Scandinavian style. All products are designed and manufactured in-house and come with a 7-year warranty.
