Less than half of office workers believe their working environment is good enough.

The majority of employees believe significantly more can be done to create more productive office spaces, according to new research carried out by Steelcase Solutions, the leading workplace interior experts.

In a survey of 500 office workers in Scotland, only 50.2% of respondents were happy with their work/life balance – something 68% don’t see improving in the future, or even getting worse.

Research by Steelcase Solutions has shown that one of the most important factors in improving health and wellbeing at work is to stay active and take regular breaks. However only 13.2% of respondents reported leaving the office for lunch, with a staggering 54.8% eating at their desks and 3.8% of people skipping the meal all together.


This news comes as call centre has been voted Glasgow’s happiest, healthiest office in the Glasgow Business Awards. Bellcom Ltd, which employs 400 people specialises in business to business international call centre services.

Nick Lyons, regional sales director for Steelcase Solutions in Scotland, who sponsored the award, said: “We congratulate Bellcom Ltd on their award, which is indicative of a company making their employees’ health and well being a top priority, a trend we hope to see more of in the future. Our recent poll results stress the importance of making sure employees are well supported, both physically and mentally, in order for them to reach their full potential.”

70% of respondents are not offered a mobile working option, which would allow them to work from home at times. For this group who have to be in the office every day, Steelcase Solutions design services can help create a space that encourages wellbeing in the workplace, making the space available more efficient and productive, keeping staff happy and engaged.

(GK)