A new survey released recently by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reveals employees who work in LEED-certified green buildings are happier, healthier and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings. The survey also shows a majority of office workers want to work for companies that are value-oriented, take stances on important issues like sustainability and do their part to make a positive difference in the world. Eighty-four percent of respondents prefer to work for a company with a strong, concrete mission and positive values.
“Employees know that green building programs like LEED help companies to develop responsible, sustainable and specific plans for green energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors accountable for the human experience,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC.
When it comes to choosing a new job, findings show people's decisions are influenced by whether or not the workplace is in a LEED-certified building. More than 90 percent of respondents in LEED-certified green buildings say they are satisfied on the job and 79 percent say they would choose a job in a LEED-certified building over a non-LEED building.
“We discovered that today's employees are more motivated than ever to work for a company that promotes not just a higher standard of living for its employees, but also of its community,” Ramanujam said. “In today's highly competitive job market, if companies want to attract and retain highly skilled, talented employees, they must demonstrate a commitment to environmental, human and economic sustainability.”
LEED buildings are linked to improved productivity, health and wellness. The survey showed these attributes and space that provides clean and high-quality indoor air, directly contribute to employees feeling happy and fulfilled at work. More than 80 percent of respondents say being productive on the job and having access to clean, high-quality indoor air contributes to their overall workplace happiness.
In addition, 85 percent of employees in LEED-certified buildings say access to quality outdoor views and natural sunlight boosts their overall productivity and happiness, and 80 percent say the enhanced air quality improves their physical health and comfort.
The survey, conducted by Porter Novelli for USGBC, included 1,001 workers in the U.S. who are employed full-time, part-time or self-employed but work in an office building setting.