Study reveals the perks that keep employees happy (and healthy)

A newly released report from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) highlights key workplace amenity strategies that can lead to increased employee well-being and productivity.

“The single greatest asset and expense for any company are their employees” said IFMA President and CEO Tony Keane, CAE. “The research released today underscores the value of the facility manager in protecting that human capital through incorporating appropriate workplace amenities such as break rooms, cafeterias and on-site fitness centers. Providing these amenities in the workplace ensures the happiness and productivity of employees, reduces absenteeism and safeguards the health of both the company and its personnel.”

As the facility manager is tasked with integrating amenities into the workplace, they are ultimately responsible not only for the building itself but also for the health of its employees- the two most valuable assets for any company. The 2012 “Workplace Amenities Strategies” report helps facility practitioners protect the company assets by identifying industry patterns and data for the most effective resource allocation.

Companies typically will provide five-to-six building amenities for the occupants of the facility. The average is six amenities and the median is five amenities. The most commonly provided amenities are:

1. Breakrooms (93 percent)

2. Multi-purpose space (72 percent)

3. On-site fitness area (54 percent)

The 2012 IFMA “Workplace Amenities Strategies” research report, developed in partnership with Mars Drinks and the Corporate Facilities Council, presents the key trends in amenity strategies as indicated by 848 respondents of the survey.  A full copy of the report is available for purchase online. Members of the media may request a review copy at no cost. Other IFMA research and survey results are also available online.

About IFMA

IFMA is the world’s largest international association for professional facility managers, supporting 22,655 members in 78 countries. The association’s members, represented in 128 chapters and 16 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US $100 billion in products and services.

Source: ISHN