Archaic technology, colleagues and the commute: Swindon’s biggest office bugbears revealed

Slow or outdated technology, the grind of the daily commute and sitting with people you don’t like are among Swindon’s biggest office gripes, according to new research from Village Hotel Club Swindon. The study, which explores what makes UK workers tick and what ticks them off, also uncovered what benefits workers in the town want to see most, with flexible working topping the list.

Swindon vs. the UK: Biggest office frustrations & Office wishlist

 

The survey of more than 2,500 Brits comes as Village Hotel Club launches its new co-working space, VWorks, in Swindon. It offers modern hot-desking spaces equipped with everything needed for a productive day – from sockets and USB ports to free wi-fi and refreshments – as well as smaller meeting pods. It is a smart, creative environment for people in the town to work, connect and network.

 

Nationally, more than half of us feel that it would be beneficial to work from somewhere other than our usual office (54%) and would even like to choose where we work from each day (52%). These figures rise to 64% and 58% respectively among those in Swindon. What’s more, over a third (36%) of Brits – and 34% of workers in Swindon – admitted that they would work more efficiently if they didn’t have to go into their office.

 

The research also revealed the importance of our work environment, with nine in ten (90%) agreeing that it was important or very important for their productivity, work satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.  

 

A third (33%) – and 38% of Swindon professionals - said they prefer to host important meetings outside of their usual workplace, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting that they are embarrassed by their current workspace. Almost half (48%) wished that they had better facilities, whilst 47% said they would like to have a more inspiring workspace.

 

Andrew Spink, General Manager at Village Hotel Club Swindon, commented, “This research has given us an insight into how the way we work is changing. As more people are looking for flexible working and focusing on their work / life balance, co-working solutions that offer flexibility whilst providing a smart and inspiring workspace will become increasingly important.

 

“It is from this insight that V Works was born. Here in Swindon, we’d noticed an increasing number of people looking for a space to work throughout the day – and not just from our business travellers, but from locals, too. There are more people on the road, working from home, or simply looking for a temporary space away from the office. Through V Works we hope to provide that, while also giving people the opportunity to take advantage of our other facilities, from the Gym to Starbucks and our Pub & Grill.”