A new survey has found that nearly one in four British workers (23%) have turned down job offers because they disliked the office environment.
This figure rises to 32 percent among younger workers aged 18-24, underscoring the growing importance of high-quality office spaces, particularly for the next generation of professionals.
The study, commissioned by real estate investment firm Castleforge, highlights how essential well-designed, amenity-rich office environments are in today’s job market. Londoners are especially selective, with a third (32%) of workers in the capital admitting they have declined a job due to poor office conditions.
Amenities play a crucial role in shaping these decisions, with over half (51%) of respondents valuing proximity to social spaces such as restaurants, bars, and gyms. Nearly half (46%) believe that offices with their own amenities—such as gyms, cafés, and showers—enhance their work experience.
Despite the allure of remote working, two in five employees (41%) claim they are more productive in the office. For younger workers, the preference is even stronger: over half (55%) of 18-24-year-olds feel more productive when they commute into the office. However, the survey also highlights the downside of remote work, with 30 percent of respondents noting a negative impact on their social lives due to hybrid work patterns. This rises to 44 percent among younger workers.
What about sustainability?
Sustainability is another key factor influencing job choices, with 31 percent of respondents stating they would refuse a job offer from a company with poor environmental practices. This sentiment is most pronounced among younger workers, with almost half (49%) of those aged 18-24 saying they would reject a job at a company that lacks a strong sustainability record.
Michael Kovacs, Founding Partner at Castleforge, emphasised the changing role of office spaces post-pandemic: “In an increasingly competitive market for the best talent, companies with best-in-class office environments in desirable locations will stand out from the crowd.”
The research also shows a shift in attitudes toward office attendance, with 31 percent of workers voluntarily choosing to go into the office even on days when it’s not required. Additionally, 80 percent of respondents believe office attendance is crucial for career development, particularly in learning about their roles.
Castleforge, which has invested approximately £1 billion since its inception in 2010, focuses on creating value-added real estate investments across the UK and Europe, including flexible workspaces under its Clockwise brand. As businesses navigate the hybrid work era, the demand for high-quality, sustainable office environments is becoming a critical factor for attracting and retaining top talent.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
