JLL and Skanska's office unit have jointly analysed the preferences of employees of modern offices in Poland. As a result, the five personalities and styles of work identified have different needs and expectations of the office space. The conclusions of the report will greatly improve employers' understanding of these differences. In addition, they will also learn what factors build the value of the workplace in the eyes of their diverse teams.
Four generations but five personalities
Until recently, most companies believed that the generational model was sufficiently nuanced to act as a suitable base for office design. Sometimes it was a good assumption, other times not so much. This is why we decided to dig a little deeper in order to find out what really differentiates office workers in Poland, what their characteristics are and what they expect from their workplace. We conducted a study regarding 1,000 office workers in companies that employ at least 100 people. As a result, we have identified five office personalities that have a specific set of requirements and expectations for their workplace.
Łukasz Dziedzic, Senior Analyst, Research & Consulting, JLL
The key to creating an office that will not only attract but continue to satisfy employees, and as a result, has the chance to improve retention rates, is to create an effective space which is futureproof. Office workers are not a homogeneous group, and we have to remember that each person may have different preferences, needs, and expectations. After all, life stories, personal beliefs, and interests are important factors in one's personality. It is not enough, therefore, for the employer to give us technological innovations and prepare a space for creative work because these are the current trends on the market. Not all of us need this. So the key is to listen to employees, learn about their needs, answer them by creating an office space tailored to the specifics of the business. This will ultimately translate into meeting the goals of the employer as well.
Anna Marciniak, HR and Administration Director, Skanska
From eco-enthusiasts to goal-oriented employees – a few words about office personalities
Different preferences regarding transport and commuting time are one of the most important distinguishing features that defines individual personality types. The location of the office itself is also directly related to this factor - for some of us, prestige is important, i.e. working in the very centre of the city, while for others the proximity of public transport and a city bike station is of key importance. Therefore, it is very important to carefully choose the location of the new office at the investment planning stage.
Jakub Zieliński, Team Leader, Workplace Advisory, JLL
If we compare the popularity of having an assigned desk with sharing work space, we can see that desk-sharing is a relatively recent solution in Poland, while in Western Europe it is an established standard that successfully supports cooperation between people. According to our research, only 15% of respondents have experienced this kind of solution. However, assigned desks are seen as less important when alternative spaces, such as creative zones, quiet rooms, informal spaces and relaxation areas enter the equation. This proves that any initial resistance associated with desk sharing can be overcome over time.
Jakub Zieliński, Team Leader, Workplace Advisory, JLL
The office – it’s not all about the space
Modern offices are no longer just rows of desks. They are also not places where you spend eight hours completely cut off from other aspects of life, and only feel relief when leaving the office. Or at least they shouldn't be. So how to create a place that will live and where employees will come willingly?
Jakub Zieliński, Team Leader, Workplace Advisory, JLL
