Employers needing to attract and retain the best employees are making up for shrinking personal workspace with amenities. According to a recent International Facility Management Association survey, 78 percent of companies now offer a common break room. Nearly half also provide an in-house fitness center.

“As companies reduce personal workspace, employees place greater importance on in-house amenities that simplify and enrich their workday, such as lunch-hour yoga at the company fitness center,” observes Angie Earlywine, a workplace strategist for HOK Advance Strategies.

Coffee bars, a longtime favorite, are now being joined by Internet cafés, travel centers and outdoor exercise parks and recreation areas. Multipurpose space is a popular feature. The survey notes that corporate headquarters and educational institutions tend to offer the greatest number of amenities.