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Public sector lags behind

Open-access content Wednesday 29th August 2018 — updated 2.38pm, Tuesday 5th May 2020

04 September 2018 | James Ayres-Turner


James Ayres-Turner of Aster Group UK explains how public sector workers have less investment in the workplace compared to the corporate world.

I worked in a facilities capacity for the public sector for 10 years, and I am sorry to say I haven't seen enough evidence of workplace strategies or any real commitment towards improving the workplace environment for staff. 


The public sector is far behind the corporate industry when it comes to forward thinking and investing in its workplace environment. I have recently moved to the corporate world of facilities, but have noticed an immense difference in attitude and commitment towards staff well-being 

and environment.


In the public sector, I worked in places where the staff areas are furnished with unwanted or mismatched furniture that leaves people feeling uninspired.


Corporates, however, have identified the benefits of investing in people and the workplace environment by designing spaces that provide comfortable working conditions and spaces that engage its workforce. 


Design factors such as layout, lighting, temperature, air quality, biophilia, sensory stimulation, provision of working and relaxation spaces, and use of colour impact employee productivity in the workplace. 


Organisations that emphasise creating a good office design that encourages collaboration see benefits and rewards in terms of employee productivity, happiness and culture.


So I ask, when will we start to incorporate these strategies into the public sector and benefit from its rewards?


By implementing these designs, it would show staff that they are appreciated and in return there would be massive benefits to the service they provide.


This idea would be hard to introduce, but I ask the powers above to challenge the culture and vision surrounding facilities and workplace management within the public sector. 


Some of you are already saying, "It's easier said than done." And you may be right. Nevertheless, if we don't start challenging people's opinions now, then how will we ever expect things to change?



James Ayres-Turner is corporate real estate and facilities management coordinator at Aster Group UK


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