It used to be perfectly acceptable, just a decade or so ago, to provide what can only be described as pretty poor working conditions to employees. Rooms with no natural light, cramped desks and uncomfortable chairs used to be the norm, with workers expecting little else.
Things are, I am glad to say, changing and the average work place is becoming a much nicer and healthier place, partly due to legislation and partly due to an understanding by employers that happy and comfortable workers tend to equal motivated and productive workers.
There are many things an employer can do to improve the office environment when working on an office refurbishment, many of which do not cost that much money. Brighter working spaces and clever use of the space that is available can totally transform a room without costing the earth.
Comfortable chairs and desks are important, even if this does cost money, especially if workers are at their desks and computers for long periods of the day. Poor sitting positions and bad posture can really impact the ability of an employee to work well and this also contributes to extra sick days for the company.
Responsible employers will do everything they reasonably can within their budget to ensure that workers have decent working conditions and this will also affect the calibre of staff that they attract for new positions.