Workplace chair accident. Credit score: Giannis Vasilottos, Shutterstock
Inefficient and poorly designed workplaces are costing the UK financial system over £71 billion (€84 billion) a 12 months, based on new analysis revealed by Mitie on July 15, 2025.
The report reveals that point wasted on account of office points – similar to gradual lifts, unhealthy Wi-Fi, and lack of collaboration area – quantities to a £485 million (€572 million) weekly loss in wage prices alone.
How UK workspaces are failing workers
A nationwide survey by Mitie, the UK’s main services transformation firm, discovered that just about 9 in ten (88 per cent) workers stated having a secure working surroundings and entry to the appropriate expertise is essential for each satisfaction and productiveness.
The research means that employers who fail to spend money on well-maintained, high-performing workplace areas threat not solely disengaging employees but additionally harming the broader financial system.
“Employers have an actual alternative to enhance workspaces so that they enhance worker engagement, actively gas productiveness and drive innovation in a manner that advantages the multi-generational workforce,” stated Mark Caskey, Managing Director of Tasks at Mitie.
The typical UK worker reportedly loses 68 minutes per week to unproductive duties attributable to poor office circumstances. For full-time employees, that determine climbs to 74 minutes, equating to £485.2 million per week in wasted wage.
These inefficiencies embrace:
- Trying to find a gathering room with respectable Wi-Fi
- Dealing with damaged constructing companies like lifts
- An absence of collaborative or quiet workspaces
When scaled throughout the workforce, this provides as much as an annual GDP lack of £71.4 billion, reinforcing the UK’s battle with lagging productiveness.
In Q1 2025, UK productiveness was 0.2 per cent decrease than the identical interval final 12 months. In comparison with different G7 international locations, Britain ranks fourth in GDP per hour labored, trailing the US, Germany, and France.
Office satisfaction impacts employees retention
The bodily work surroundings doesn’t simply have an effect on productiveness; it’s immediately tied to how workers really feel about their jobs.
- 89 per cent of workers glad with their office are additionally proud of their employer.
- In distinction, amongst these sad with their office, simply 23 per cent stated they have been glad with their job.
Key office options boosting satisfaction embrace:
- Protected surroundings: 88 per cent
- Entry to instruments/expertise: 83 per cent
- Comfy, well-designed area: 75 per cent
Regardless of widespread assumptions, perks like gyms and social areas don’t transfer the needle a lot. Simply 29 per cent stated these contribute to satisfaction, and solely 55 per cent cited alternatives to socialize as a motivator for coming into the workplace.
“When workplaces are designed with folks in thoughts and managed successfully, they turn out to be highly effective enablers of collaboration and transformation… Folks thrive, and communities profit,” added Mark Caskey.
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