Although a high-quality work environment has a significant impact on both employee productivity and loyalty, only 39% of respondents believe that their employer views the workplace as an investment rather than an expense. According to Henrijs Kaļķis, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Latvia and Certified European Ergonomist, this mindset may limit companies' ability to fully utilise the potential of the work environment to improve productivity and competitiveness.
The results of a survey conducted by AJ Produkti in cooperation with the research company Norstat show that 69% of respondents acknowledge that the quality of the work environment affects their work performance and productivity. Meanwhile, 68% say that a high-quality work environment increases their willingness to remain with their current employer in the long term. These findings indicate that the workplace influences not only employees' day-to-day well-being but also a company's ability to retain talent, improve productivity, and achieve better business results.
"The work environment is about much more than comfort, especially in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. It is closely linked to both physical and mental workload, often affecting a person's ability to concentrate, work efficiently, and maintain long-term work capacity. Since people themselves recognise that the workplace affects both their productivity and their willingness to stay with an employer, investments in workplace quality—including ergonomic design and measures that support employees' physical and mental well-being—should be viewed as investments in business development and human capital rather than simply as expenses," says Henrijs Kaļķis, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Latvia and Certified European Ergonomist.
At the same time, more than half (52%) of respondents say that workplace noise negatively affects their ability to concentrate. This suggests that the work environment can have a significant impact on employees' mental workload, including concentration, attention span, and decision-making quality. Therefore, workplace quality is determined not only by ergonomic furniture or office design but also by work organisation, acoustics, and other factors that contribute to a productive working environment.
"We see that companies are increasingly looking for solutions that improve employee well-being and workplace efficiency. The survey results confirm that employees notice and appreciate these investments, making the work environment an increasingly important competitive advantage," says Zane Beķere, Member of the Management Board of AJ Produkti.
Significant differences can be observed across different employee groups. In Riga, 44% of respondents believe that their employer views the workplace as an investment, compared with only 34% in rural areas. Even greater differences can be seen across occupations: 48% of office employees perceive the workplace as an investment, while only 23% of unskilled workers share this view. The survey was commissioned by AJ Produkti and conducted by Norstat in 2026 among 1,006 residents of Latvia.
About AJ Produkti
AJ Produkti is an international supplier of workplace furniture and equipment, offering more than 15,000 products for offices, educational institutions, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Founded in Sweden in 1975, the company operates in 13 countries and employs more than 1,100 people across the group.
AJ Produkti designs and supplies ergonomic workplace solutions based on high quality, international sustainability standards, and Scandinavian design principles. The company continuously monitors workplace trends, collaborates with industry experts, and conducts research to promote safer, healthier, and more efficient working environments for organisations worldwide.
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