New research from Signify has found that connected technology and smart office design is vital in attracting and retaining talent in the workplace.

The survey of 500 small to medium business owners found 80% of respondents saying retaining and motivating talent is a major business challenge, followed by growth (55%), profitability (43%) and technology changing the industry (38%).

It showed the importance of investing in connected workplace design and technology including lighting and sustainable initiatives. A majority of business owners say that it would improve their workplace functions and help motivate and retain employees.

“As businesses plan for next year, it’s critical they consider how forward-thinking, flexible workplace design solutions can have a real effect on increasing their employees’ satisfaction and productivity,” Signify head of marketing Simon O’Donnelly says of employers and the importance of these modern technologies.

“For those businesses that are paying attention to their staff’s physical experience at work, including light, design and air quality, they are realising significant benefits, such as happier employees, improved sustainability credentials and a stronger bottom line.”

Businesses that have already adopted the technology said it improved employee engagement (36%), wellbeing (44%), productivity (43%) and increased cost savings. Despite this there is some ways to go as one in five business owners are slow to adopt it despite recognising the benefits.

Simon spoke on human-centric lighting and how it’s fast becoming the gold standard in this area.

“The technology works by connecting in-depth knowledge of user needs with the dynamic lighting applications to improve feelings of wellbeing and performance. This includes new approaches to reducing glare and other forms of visual discomfort, and the use of daylight to increase energy efficiency,” he says.