Almost 75% of workers said the overall physical condition of their offices affected their view of their employer, according to a recent survey by Blumberg Capital Partners (Chicago Tribune, Mar. 3, 2008).  It also influenced whether they continued their employment or looked for another position.  Furthermore, over one-third of respondents either accepted a job offer or rejected one because of the basic working conditions.

"People don't quit because the bathrooms are dirty," said Amy Lyman, cofounder of the Great Place to Work Institute.  "They quit because their employers do not keep the bathrooms clean or respond to other worker concerns.  The bathroom message is these are not high-trust environments."

Key concerns included: indoor temperature, dirty restrooms, outdated furniture or decor, outdated computers and software, foul smells, leaky ceilings, worn carpeting, scuffed/dirty walls, and insect/rodent problems.

Considering most people spend eight to 10 hours a day at work, physical working conditions can affect morale and productivity.  Organizations that do not take care of the physical work environment are sending their employees a critical message--one that is responded to with increased turnover, bad morale, and poor customer support.

While money is important, many people are influenced by these intangibles.  Seems like it would be a simple fix!