Savills What Workers Want 2019 data enables a review of the facts that make those workers, within the life science sector, happier and more satisfied with their workplace. The data is split by business sectors and the analysis on this page is for those respondents working within the 'pharmaceutical & biotechnology' sub-sector (which we have termed life science throughout). The sub-sector respondents includes a range of job roles from pure office to wet laboratory employees.

Firstly, as shown in the chart above, we gauged the length of time that employees expect to be with their current employer. The provision of the most appropriate, and often best, quality of workspace is vital to ensure employees are in a happy and productive working environment. Interestingly, within the context of 'war for talent', life science employees are much more transient than the average office employee. 47% expect to be with their current employer for two years or less. The question for employers is what role does the real estate play to increase the retention rate.

To answer this, Savills asked what is important to employees. Asking questions direct, helps to understand key factors and then drill down to the micro factors that may influence the loyalty and satisfaction of life science employees.

In terms of location, it is interesting to note the preference for a city centre location and the desire to reduce their length of commute. There will always be a need for the science and technology park locations, often as a campus-style setting, but as seen in London (page 5) and indeed markets across the world, the rise of city centre life science real estate requirements has increased. Some companies want to be part of a wider ecosystem that includes much closer proximity to funding, educational and hospitals.

The survey also asked the respondents for their views regarding 49 variables including commuting, lighting, air quality and social meeting space. Understanding and reacting to the needs of the employee is key to attracting the best talent. Not all workers within offices and research & development workspace can be treated the same. Our analysis initially ranked the variables by the percentage that rated it as 'high satisfaction'. However, it is pertinent to review the absolute percentage difference to the 'all office' responses and for landlords and developers to respond accordingly. The second chart above shows the difference between the science-related responses and the 'all office' sample. The commute and accessibility to amenity is clearly lacking for life science employees. The market has seen significant improvement in amenity provision on science and technology park locations in recent years, but more can be done. There are also some surprising differences. The lower satisfaction for networking opportunities is a surprise, as it's much more important within a sector predicated on discovery.

Unique insight

The Savills What Workers Want 2019 survey (fourth edition), has created a unique dataset and analysis of the needs and wants of workers across Europe. The views at 'desk level' provides Savills with the ability to capture and provide advice based upon the preferences of workers within life science-related companies. The analysis here provides a very brief snapshot.

_{Read the articles within Spotlight: Life Sciences – Trends & Outlook below.}