| I've already determined that I need new or reconfigured space, but can that problem alone cause a 5% loss in productivity?
Probably not. But there are several factors other than physical layout and size that affect office productivity.
According to Harris, the top five environmental factors that affect productivity are: 1. Lighting 2. Air circulation 3. Temperature 4. Opportunity to stretch and move around 5. Acoustics. Chances are high that if you're in old or outdated space, then your office is lacking in these five areas. For example, 49% of the workers polled by Harris report that they do not have good acoustics in their office. 55% report problems with temperatures, and 34% complain of poor circulation of air.
On the other hand, a sizable number of companies do not evaluate these five areas. For example, only 41% of the companies studied had ever evaluated lighting conditions, which, according to 88% of workers polled, is the number one factor in office productivity.
Another interesting factor in considering the cost of a move is the possibility that workers might accept smaller raises for better space. Harris reports that 30% of workers would accept a smaller raise if heating and air conditioning were improved in their existing space. That number might even be higher if the company was moving to new, custom designed space and not just renovating existing space.
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