The results of a recent global survey of employees reveals that nine out of 10 employees consider well-being facilities and offerings to be critical in their decision when choosing a workplace, while 82 percent expect support from their employers in achieving a work-life balance.

The survey, consisting of interviews of 2,000 office workers across the U.S., U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Israel, aimed to highlight the global workforce’s current sentiment toward employers’ wellness offerings, the importance of a wellness-focused employer as a variable when choosing a new job or deciding to stay at a current place of work, as well as tangible ways that employers could support employee well-being.

The Employee Wellbeing Data Report survey conducted by Mindspace, a flex workspace provider, suggests a shifting attitude toward the workplace and work-life balance, with the majority of employees placing more emphasis on mental and physical health and overall well-being.

“Employee well-being has become a critical tool for empowering employee productivity and maintaining retention,” the report stated.

Of those survey, 43 percent cited flexible work hours as the benefit offering the greatest impact to employee well-being. Other benefits mentioned included work location flexibility (21 percent), free healthy meals (24 percent), more vacation days (33 percent), improved health insurance (16 percent) and physical amenities such as on-site gyms.

When asked about the negative effects of workplaces where well-being was not prioritized, 25 percent of those surveyed suggested it would adversely affect their desire to stay at the company. Half of respondents (50 percent) indicated they believed workers’ motivation would be most affected, followed by productivity (48 percent) and creativity (28 percent).

“With companies large and small gradually demanding their employees return to the office, now is the time for employers to rethink a future of work that incorporates flexible working options with regard to work hours and location, and that places more emphasis on benefits enhancing employee well-being,” said Dan Zakai, Mindspace CEO and co-founder.

“This latest survey suggests that employees are taking a more holistic approach to their workplace – with growing expectations for hybrid work models, amenities that support work-life balance, or enhanced healthcare coverage,” he added. “Companies that believe in returning to the office and want to retain their top talent should be forward-thinking and must recognize that built-in wellness amenities are not a luxury but a strategic necessity to promote well-being, to boost retention and to drive organizational success.”