Quality of Life at Work: Insights from the Actineo Barometer

The Actineo/Sociovision Barometer, published once every two years, observes the quality of life of the French people at the office. The report analyzes the evolution of French work lifestyles to help decision-makers optimize their ecosystems. For the first time, the barometer also takes into account working conditions outside the office. Flex offices, nomadic work, co-working spaces: how do the French react to these new work trends?

The NF Ameublement Brands Blog decrypts this barometer from 2019 for you.

Who are the surveyed French people?

Before getting to the core of the topic, here are some details about the panel of people surveyed for this study:

- 79% of the respondents live in the provinces. The represented age groups are quite broad, with 28% under 35 years old, 35% between 36 and 45 years old, and 36% over 45 years old. Regarding work, the panel is also diverse, with 47% working in companies with fewer than 50 employees, and 86% in permanent positions. Gender diversity is also present, with 58% of female respondents.

Where do they work?

Their primary workplace is a closed office for 66%, with 33% in individual offices and 33% sharing an office with at least two people. For the remaining third, they work in an open, communal space: 22% with fewer than 10 people and 12% with more than 10 people.

53% report working outside their company's premises at least occasionally. In fact, 39% of those surveyed use spaces like co-working spaces (38%), innovation incubators (28%), or fab labs (27%).

Closed offices, flex offices, nomadic work: what are the trends?

Although flex offices are on the rise, with 6% of employees in 2017 compared to 14% today, closed offices still have a promising future. 66% of employees work in closed offices, while 34% work in open collective offices (22% with fewer than 10 people and 12% with more than 10 people). The situation varies significantly depending on the size of the company, the age of the employee, and their hierarchical level.

While 50% of those surveyed claim not to be bothered by the lack of an assigned desk, for others, it's a source of stress because it creates a race for the best spots.

The barometer also reveals that nomadic work is on the rise. It concerns 53% of the active population surveyed, with 30% being regular nomads, meaning they work remotely more than once a week. Working outside of the company's premises is a trend, especially among younger employees. 47% of millennials (aged 18 to 29) are nomadic workers. There is also variation by hierarchical level, as 50% of middle managers also practice mobile work.

Despite the growth of flex offices and nomadic work, 45% of respondents still prefer a dedicated workstation in an individual space as the ideal office!

Third places still have progress to make to meet the expectations of nomadic workers.

With the development of new technologies and the increase in nomadic work, more and more people work in third places: co-working spaces, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation.

Are these places suitable for work?

The equipment provided to "nomadic" employees in new workplaces unevenly meets their expectations. The panel was asked about their satisfaction regarding lighting quality, chair and table ergonomics, privacy, noise, and available space for their belongings. Some places still need to improve to legitimize themselves as workspaces. This is particularly the case for restaurants and cafes, with less than 20% satisfaction. Hotels perform better with 30% satisfaction, but telecommuting at home still reigns with 80% satisfaction. According to the survey, it's the best place to organize space and time as desired.

Co-working spaces are also popular, with a 23% increase in attendance over the past two years. Innovation incubators and fab labs are also gaining more users. Surprisingly, these places, which are dedicated to new forms of work, receive mixed satisfaction, primarily due to the lack of equipment ergonomics. According to experts, these hybrid places are still new, and the furniture offer is not yet adapted. There is a new furniture solution to be invented for these spaces!

The quality of life of the French at work

The study reveals that the quality of life at work takes on different meanings for those surveyed:

• Health: 50%
• Well-being: 48%
• Motivation: 43%
• Efficiency: 41%
• Relationships with colleagues: 39%
• Relationships with subordinates: 34%
• Relationship with superiors: 33%

The equipment provided to employees and space design affect health, efficiency, and well-being at work. Surprisingly, less than half of those surveyed have an ergonomic chair that can be adjusted according to their anatomy and working style. According to experts, this is considered a basic element to prevent occupational diseases like musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, only a minority have individually adjustable lighting, which is essential for an ergonomic workspace.

The study also highlights that few facilities are installed to combat noise, despite it being the top nuisance in collective workspaces. Only 27% of those surveyed have noise-insulating furniture.

Without a doubt, there is room for improvement in terms of office design to ensure better quality of life at work.