ORGATEC 2026 survey: 63.5% of German employees say the work environment affects their motivation

A survey commissioned by Koelnmesse and conducted by YouGov shows that pay remains the strongest motivator for German employees, but 63.5% of respondents say the work environment significantly affects their motivation, with ergonomic workstations, indoor climate and quiet spaces cited frequently.

A survey commissioned by Koelnmesse and conducted by YouGov for ORGATEC 2026 shows that most respondents consider higher pay the strongest incentive, but 63.5% of the employees surveyed say the work environment also has a significant influence on their motivation level.

71.2% of respondents see higher pay as an incentive to work harder or achieve more, clearly ahead of other factors; 38.5% mention recognition from their line manager, 36.6% mention a pleasant work environment and 30.0% mention more flexible working hours.

Among respondents who believe the work environment affects their motivation, 35.3% mention a pleasant indoor climate, 34.4% mention ergonomic workstations and good furniture, 33.7% want modern technical equipment and 32.8% want more quiet and private space.

47.7% of respondents say they are most productive at a fixed workstation at the employer's premises, while 21.1% prefer alternating between a fixed workstation and working from home.

The survey notes that differences in preferences show there is no single work environment that equally meets everyone's requirements, and that space solutions are needed that support both collaboration and face-to-face interaction as well as focused and independent work.

On improving productivity, 31.5% of respondents cite organizing work and processes more efficiently as the main means, 26.3% want fewer bureaucratic procedures and unnecessary coordination and approval steps, and 25.9% prioritize fewer distractions and interruptions.

The data comes from an online survey conducted by YouGov GmbH on behalf of ORGATEC (Koelnmesse GmbH), which interviewed 518 employed German workers without specific management responsibilities from 1 to 7 October 2026.