Why Job Satisfaction Is Important in Shared Offices

The modern work landscape has undergone a significant shift. The COVID-19 pandemic completely reshaped our work culture. Shared office spaces have rapidly gained popularity. A recent Eurostat report highlights this trend, indicating that a growing number of businesses are now opting for flexible workspace solutions. This rise in popularity has reinforced the importance of finding shared office spaces that cultivate not just productivity but also contribute to overall job satisfaction.

Importance of finding a good role in a company

According to a recent survey by the Luxembourg Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, a staggering 60% of employees surveyed stated dissatisfaction with their jobs in some way, and 30% would seriously consider leaving within a year.

Finding the right role in a company is fundamental to ensuring job satisfaction. It’s not only about ensuring that the role aligns with one’s skills and goals but also about finding a position that fosters a sense of purpose and belonging within the organisation. The company culture, environment, amenities, and even office spaces play a role in ensuring job satisfaction at the workplace.

What is Job Satisfaction and Its Relevance in a Shared Office Environment?

Job satisfaction refers to how content employees feel with their work or at their workplace in general. This significantly influences their performance and commitment to the company. In a shared office environment, the dynamics of job satisfaction are more nuanced as multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles come in close proximity.

Well-designed office spaces should provide an environment conducive to both individual tasks and collaborative team efforts. This balance is crucial for maintaining a productive and satisfied workforce.

Dimensions of Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction has two main dimensions:

• Intrinsic Factors – These include the nature of the work itself, growth opportunities, and the sense of achievement derived from completing tasks. When employees feel challenged and engaged in their work, they experience greater job satisfaction.
• Extrinsic Factors – These factors encompass salary, job security, working conditions, and company policies. Fair compensation, a healthy work environment, and flexible work arrangements – all contribute to extrinsic job satisfaction.

Job Satisfaction with Respect to Aim, Goal, and Values

Employees can derive maximum satisfaction from their jobs when their personal aims, goals, and values align with those of their company. In shared offices, where diverse teams work together, ensuring that the company’s mission resonates with the employees is essential. This congruence nurtures a harmonious work environment, thereby enhancing their job satisfaction.

Here are some strategies to ensure an alignment between personal and organisational goals:

• Mission Statements: A clear and compelling mission statement that employees can relate to provides purpose and direction.
• Regular Communication: Ensuring an ongoing dialogue between management and staff through regular town hall meetings, surveys, and an open-door policy will keep everyone aligned with the organisation’s goals and values.
• Personal Development Plans: Creating development plans that align employees’ individual career aspirations with long-term organisational goals promotes a shared sense of purpose and growth.

12 Essential Ingredients of Job Satisfaction in a Shared Office

Here are 12 key ingredients to foster job satisfaction in a shared office environment:

1. Defined Workspaces: Designated work areas, like private offices within the shared space, are crucial for focused work and calls.
2. Communication Guidelines: Well-laid ground rules for acceptable decibel levels and meeting etiquette minimise disruptions and improve the atmosphere at work.
3. Community Building Activities: Social gatherings, food fairs, or game
   nights create a sense of belonging and connection among coworkers from across companies in a common space.
4. Technological Support: Having access to modern tools and technologies enables employees to perform their tasks efficiently. This includes high-speed internet, and having the latest software in systems.
5. Infrastructure: Ergonomically designed furniture, adequate lighting, and pleasing aesthetics play an essential role in job satisfaction.
6. Personalisation Options: Some level of personalisation within private workspaces, like adding pin-up boards, plants, pictures, etc., facilitates a sense of belonging and ownership, directly elevating the associated satisfaction.
7. Access to Natural Light: Natural light improves mood and focus. Prioritise workspaces with big windows or those with skylights in the ceiling.
8. Amenities: Having basic amenities like a good cafe, printing machines, and comfortable break areas contribute to well-being. Additional perks like on-site gyms or relaxation zones further ensure it commendably.
9. Conflict Resolution Protocol: Establish a clear process for addressing noise complaints, territorial disputes, or other potential conflicts between coworkers.
10. Feedback Systems: Sharing regular feedback about the experience of working in a shared office workplace can enhance employee well-being.
11. Social Connections: Opportunities for social interaction and team building help employees feel connected and supported. Interacting with a variety of companies and work cultures provides an opportunity for interpersonal growth. Shared office spaces have common areas and events that encourage interaction with like-minded people across companies.
12. Positive Work Culture: An inclusive and collaborative workspace free of regular societal biases and stigmas invites everyone to grow and innovate.

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is crucial for a productive and engaged workforce. Understanding the factors that contribute to overall job satisfaction can help employers create an environment where employees can thrive.

• Competitive Salary: A competitive salary is paramount in ensuring job satisfaction. Fair compensation, as per market trends, makes employees feel valued and financially secure.

• Job Security: Job security reduces stress and allows employees to focus on their work without worrying about job loss.

• Autonomy: Autonomy, or the freedom to make decisions and manage workloads flexibly, is essential for fostering responsibility and ownership.

• Work-Life Balance: A healthy work-life balance, supported by flexible working hours and remote work options, further reduces stress and enhances satisfaction.

• Recognition: Recognition of efforts through public felicitations or personal appreciation boosts morale and reinforces positive actions. When individuals feel respected and appreciated for their contributions, it creates a more satisfying work environment.

• Career Growth: Career growth opportunities, such as professional advancement and regular skill development programmes, keep employees engaged and motivated.

• Supportive Management: Supportive management that provides guidance and mentorship is crucial to maintaining trust and security.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Regular performance reviews, promotion of healthy competition and constructive feedback offer growth opportunities.

• Social Connections: Social connections, established through team-building activities, help employees feel more connected and supported, further enhancing their job satisfaction.

Also read, The Role of a Hybrid Office in Building a Successful Team and Culture

How Job Satisfaction Affects Employee Performance

High levels of job satisfaction directly correlate to the employee performance.

Impact on Key Performance Metrics

• Productivity: Satisfied employees are more productive and contribute to a higher overall output. They are more likely to go above and beyond their assigned tasks and actively seek ways to improve efficiency when they are content.
• Creativity: Satisfied employees are also more likely to think creatively and innovate as well. They feel more comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas, which can lead to valuable breakthroughs for the company.
• Employee Retention: An increase in job satisfaction conclusively reduces attrition rates, saving the company costs for recruitment and training. When employees feel valued and satisfied, they are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.

Tips to Increase Job Satisfaction in Shared Offices

By prioritising job satisfaction and taking steps to cultivate it in a shared office environment, companies and individuals will benefit from a more productive, engaged, and successful work experience.

Here are some tips for companies and individuals working in shared office spaces to enhance their levels of job satisfaction:

For Companies:

• Create a positive culture of respect, inclusion, and open communication.
• Offer growth opportunities by providing training, mentorship, and challenging projects.
• Support work-life balance by implementing flexible hours and remote work options.
• Recognise and reward the accomplishments of employees by offering awards, bonuses, time off, etc.
• Invest in the well-being of employees through in-house wellness programs, ergonomic furniture, and supporting amenities.
• Facilitate social interaction by organising team-building events.

For Individuals:

• Communicate your needs to management and colleagues.
• Utilise company resources well.
• Build relationships with your peers.
• Maintain personal and professional boundaries.
• Personalise your space for a sense of belonging.

GO (Garden Office) Bermondsey Shared Office Spaces

At GO (Garden Office) Bermondsey, we understand the link between job satisfaction and a thriving work environment. Our private office spaces are meticulously designed to foster a sense of community while ensuring individual needs are met. Our meeting rooms and common spaces boast an abundance of natural light and greenery, promoting a vibrant atmosphere that enhances well-being and productivity, so you can focus on what matters most – your business.

Stop by for a tour today and discover your perfect work sanctuary at GO (Garden Office) Bermondsey!