Where the workplace is concerned, aesthetics and design seem to matter. Almost 25 percent of respondents said the physical workplace affects their decision to stay or leave an organization, Continental Office found in its Workplace Choice and Flexibility study.

Underscoring that number, 76 percent of C-level respondents said the physical space affects whether or not they’ll accept a job offer. Once employed, however, 10 percent of C-level executives and 11 percent of senior executives said the physical environment where they work affects decisions to stay or leave.

As well, 87 percent said they want flexible settings such as workshops, meeting rooms, private spaces, social areas and more in their workspaces.

Continental Office contends that the study results underscore the need to create a physical workspace that addresses the need for flexibility.

“To attract today’s top talent, you need to provide choice and flexibility in workplace settings,” CEO Ira Sharfin said in prepared remarks. “You have to give people permission not to be tethered to their desks.”

Other study findings:

• 71 percent said the choice in where you sit and move throughout the day at the office is very important or important. Another 21 percent said it is at least somewhat important.

• 76 percent of associates and 70 percent of managers said choice is very important or important in terms of where you sit to perform various functions during the day. About 55 percent of C-level executives felt the same way.

The survey involved 262 respondents in the Midwest, including associates and C-level executives.

Source: Continental Office