The caution – from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – comes as research from the organisation highlights that more than half (51%) of employees in manufacturing want upgrades to the properties they work in.
Almost eight in 10 (79%) of manufacturing employees who work indoors told RICS that the property plays a major role in whether or not they accept a new job. "In fact, when asked to compare it to other factors, only 'pay' and 'people' are shown to be more important – with the office or workplace outranking 'progression opportunities' (46%), 'benefits' such as gym membership (35%) and 'company culture' (29%)," said the organisation.
Paul Bagust (pictured), director of UK commercial property at RICS, added: "With numerous industries currently fighting a war for talent, capable staff and skilled new joiners are like gold-dust for many companies. On that basis, businesses should be doing everything possible to recruit and retain the best people.
"It's disappointing, therefore, that many employers seem to be under-estimating – or perhaps not realising – the power of property in motivating, attracting and keeping staff. A well-constructed, designed and utilised office or workplace can pay huge dividends for the business that inhabits it."