Okay, let’s take a break from virus-related news and cast our minds forward to when we can actually work from an office again in the hopefully not too distant future – and help the animals too. Now isn’t that a lovely thought?
According to research, Brits dream of a workplace with free soft drinks, glorious views from the windows – and an office dog.
A study of 2,000 office workers showed the โperfectโ office also has eight colleagues working in open-plan harmony, four plants, a fully-stocked kitchen and sleeping pods.
Lots of natural light, sofas, large corner desks and communal music also featured in the list.
Other popular requests for the ideal office included blankets for when you feel cold at your desk, a workstation out of view from the boss and a hostess trolley with cake or afternoon tea.
On the back of the findings, working animal charity SPANA has shown just what this perfect office could look like.
Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of SPANA, which provides free veterinary treatment to working animals in developing countries worldwide, said: โPeople in Britain have a clear idea about their perfect workplace.
“But, thankfully, most office workers are already fortunate enough to enjoy a pretty comfortable working environment, with their own chair, regular breaks and a constant supply of tea and coffee.
โSadly, itโs a very different story for working animals overseas.
“These horses, donkeys, camels and elephants often endure terrible working conditions, carrying backbreaking loads in extreme temperatures and dangerous environments.โ
The study revealed one in six adults would like their workplace to contain gym equipment or a self-contained workout space.
A third want their working environment to be flooded in natural light, and 12 per cent would love it if their workplace incorporated a โbring your own petโ policy.
Almost one in five people would like to see a relaxation space in the office, equipped with TVs and massage chairs, while hammocks were also a popular choice.
But a quarter would be happy if their place of work simply had up-to-date technology, instead of outdated computers.
As far as workplace perks are concerned, 28 per cent would like to be allowed to work in jeans.
And four in 10 want a boss who understands that family must always come first, ahead of work matters.
Brits also believe their โperfectโ job would see them work for four days a week, grafting for only six hours each day.
Theyโd earn precisely ยฃ67,813 a year, with a healthy pension, and have a 15-minute commute to the office each morning – ideally walking.
The working month would be punctuated with four working lunches, while theyโd also be allowed a day-and-a-half off for golf or โcompany leisure days.โ
The dream career also includes three business trips abroad annually, with a further five taken within the UK.
And if that wasnโt enough, Brits would give themselves a huge 31 days a year of annual leave.
Dennis added: โDaydreaming about our ideal working environment is a fun way to pass the time.
“But, itโs important to remember that, while perhaps not luxurious, most people in the UK have workplaces that are clean, safe and comfortable – even if thereโs no massage chair in sight.
โIn stark contrast, working animals and their owners in many of the worldโs poorest communities face a lifetime of toil and hardship.
“They must work day-in, day-out, with little rest and no prospect of retirement.
“Inappropriate and ill-fitting equipment mean working animals often develop painful wounds and there is usually no veterinary care available for them when they are sick or injured.
โThis is why SPANAโs work is so important โ ensuring that these hardworking animals receive the vital care they need and that their welfare is improved.โ
WHAT BRITS WANT IN THEIR WORKING ENVIRONMENT
1. Lots of natural light
2. Free fruit bowl
3. A nice view from the window
4. Free soft drinks
5. A chair which is ergonomically set up
6. Up-to-date technology
7. Office plants
8. Good coffee/ professional coffee machine
9. Variable temperature control
10. Free chocolates or biscuits
11. A relaxation zone with computer games/ TV/ massage chairs
12. Fully equipped kitchen
13. Access to an outdoor space
14. An office dog
15. Rooftop garden/outdoor area for the summer
16. Sofas
17. Free ice cream in the summer
18. Gym equipment/ workout space
19. Large corner desks
20. Variable lighting control
21. Blankets for when you feel cold at your desk
22. The option to sit or stand while working
23. Foot rests
24. Storage under desks for each person
25. Two computer screens on your desk
26. Desk screens or partitioning
27. Access to a fantastic stationery cupboard
28. A ‘bring your own pet’ policy
29. Communal music
30. A desk which is out of view from the boss
31. Drawers/ personal filing system
32. Personal lockers
33. A ‘snug’ with hammocks to escape to for a rest
34. Concentration booths/ cocoons
35. A hostess trolley with cake/ afternoon tea
36. Free bar for post-work drinks
37. Office entertainment – e.g. pool table, table football, trampolines, ball pits
38. An office cat
39. Cushions
40. Work zones tailored for different tasks
41. Vending machines
42. Meditation space
43. Childcare facilities
44. Showers
45. Magazines and literature to read during lunch breaks
46. A fish tank
47. A bed/ sleep pods
48. Brightly painted walls
49. Art work from local artists
50. Cycle parking
