Keeping Current with Workplace Trends is becoming Essential for Canadian Employers

Staples Business Advantage Workplace Employee Survey reveals High Employee Expectations of Office Work Environments

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadian employees who work in offices have high expectations of their office workspaces, a new study has found, even though only one-third spend all of their working time in an office setting.

The study, Staples Business Advantage Workplace Employee Survey, surveyed 507 full-time employed Canadians who spend at least 10% of their working time in an office setting. Topics included current trends in the workplace, workplace distractions, remote working, health and wellness, seasonal and vacation habits, and office and facility management. 

The study shows that workplace factors have a significant impact on recruiting new talent. 48% of respondents consider the look and feel of their work environment to be a major factor in selecting their employer, and 22% would consider quitting a job if the workplace became too out of date. On the other hand, 40% consider the option of working remotely to be a "must have", yet only 35% said their companies allow this.

The results reveal a variety of preferences, and underline just how important it is for Canadian employers to keep up to date with workplace trends.

"Today's office environments have to accommodate a wide range of employee needs and expectations," says Michael Zahra, President of Staples Business Advantage Canada. "As our customers call on us to take a greater role in setting up and maintaining their office environments, we're working closely with them to find creative ways to stay on top of these workplace trends."

Agile seating arrangements, wellness rooms, well-provisioned break areas, and up-to-date technology can all contribute to an environment that gets high marks from employees.

Among the findings included in the full report:

• 81% of employees believe their employers have a responsibility to keep them mentally and physically healthy.
• 57% of those who work outside of the office sometimes say that they do so because it removes distractions that occur at the office.
• Only 36% of employees have taken a mental health day.

For more information about the survey results visit:
www.staplesbusinessadvantage.ca/workplace-employee-survey

Methodology
The Staples Annual Workplace Survey was conducted by KRC Research on behalf of Staples from February 16? March 2, 2018. 507 full-time employees (defined as people who spend at least 10 percent of their time working in an office setting) were surveyed in Canada.

About Staples Business Advantage
Staples Business Advantage is the leading business supplier in Canada, providing customers with a complete assortment of products and services, including office supplies, technology products, facility solutions, furniture, and business services. As the business-to-business division of Staples, Staples Business Advantage works with companies of 20 or more employees to develop customized programs and to provide dedicated account management to meet the needs of any business. www.staplesbusinessadvantage.ca

SOURCE Staples Business Advantage Canada