What with the rise of automation and increasingly mobile workforces, today’s workplace is rapidly evolving. But despite this, companies will need to employ older tactics if they wish to keep hold of their most talented employees – such as providing them with a pleasant environment to work in, competitive salaries, the tools they need and a realistic amount of time to accomplish what’s required of them.

You’d think that’s pretty easy, but according to a new study by Staples Business Advantage and futurist Jacob Morgan, author of The Future of Work, many companies are struggling to do even that.

For one thing, it seems that many employees are being overworked. According to the study of 1,995 employees in the U.S. (936 were classified as general officer workers and 1,059 as business decision makers), some 70 percent report working more than 40 hours week, with 46 percent saying they regularly work after hours, and 91 percent saying they do “some of the time”. Employees don’t stay on to get ahead, but rather, to complete tasks they cannot get done during regular hours.

Bleak, distracting work environments a common theme

Employees report their surroundings are also rather bleak. Some 66 percent said their desks are the most productive place to work, but alas, only 36 percent agreed that their desks are an inspiring place to get work done. What employees want is for their employers to pay more attention to the design of their office spaces. Specifically, 42 percent said they’d like more natural light, while 37 percent asked for more private places to work. Another 34 percent asked for the option of a standing desk, while lounge areas were requested by 31 percent of workers.

The privacy aspect is important, the study found. That’s because a lack of privacy means more distractions, with people stopping by for a quick chat cited by 49 percent as a productivity-hurting distraction. Another 56 percent said loud co-workers were a distraction, while 40 percent said email was a major productivity killer.

“An office outfitted with thoughtful workplace solutions boosts employee productivity and happiness and directly impacts the bottom line,” said Neil Ringel, executive vice president of Staples Business Advantage, in a statement.

Employees want more technology tools

One employee request that really stands out is the demand for greater efficiency, and also the ability to have a greater impact. Some 30 percent of workers said they get more inspiration when working in environments that are more conducive to collaborative work, though the study also notes that too many meetings can be a problem. Around 25 percent of meetings are unproductive, and therefore unnecessary, the study found. Further, 75 percent of workers said their employers don’t provide the latest technologies they need to be able to work more efficiently.

A healthy workforce is a happy workforce

Employers who really value their staff should take utmost care not to burn their workers out. Almost 50 percent of responders said that being overworked motivates them to look for another job.

The good news is that employers can come up with ways to keep their workers healthy and productive. For example, 62 percent of workers said that a company wellness program is a big selling point for any company, though 58 percent said their current employer doesn’t have one. In addition, 65 percent of employees say they wish their company would offer more fresh foods and healthy snacks, with 44 percent saying that fresh foods were the most important aspect of any company wellness program.

“This study shows that there is a tremendous opportunity for organizations to focus on and design employee experiences where employees truly want to show up,” Morgan concluded.

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