The research, focused on employees of domestic manufacturing companies, is the first of its kind in Hungary to explore how the workplace environment impacts overall well-being and, in turn, employee performance. The key findings and major industry trends will be published in the Frame Group Facility Map in the first quarter of this year.

Hungary’s industrialization efforts have led to the construction of numerous new manufacturing facilities in recent years, with several large-scale projects currently underway. However, alongside these new developments, older facilities and their maintenance are often overlooked. Yet, according to domestic business leaders, attracting and retaining top talent is closely tied to the quality of the workplace environment. The Facility Map, a joint study by Frame Group and Europion, highlights that nearly all respondents (96%) consider overall cleanliness and orderliness essential.

However, 39% expressed dissatisfaction with the facility management at their current workplace. The survey also revealed that nearly one in five employees (19%) plans to change jobs within a year, reinforcing that ensuring employee well-being is no longer a luxury but a fundamental expectation.

One notable side effect of rapid industrial expansion is the stark contrast in workplace experiences, even within the same industry, for the hundreds of thousands of compatriots working in manufacturing, as the survey reveals that less than one-fifth (18%) of manufacturing company buildings in Hungary were built after 2014 and can be considered modern, while more than a third (36%) are over 30 years old.

Facility management plays a key role in enhancing employee satisfaction, making companies more attractive to top talent. The Frame Group Facility Map is designed precisely for this purpose—to provide insights into the condition of industrial facilities from the employees’ perspective, ensuring both operational efficiency and workforce well-being.

The vast majority of respondents (77%) consider it important for their employer to pay sufficient attention to the design and maintenance of workplace facilities, as two-thirds (66%) believe that providing a well-maintained work environment is a way for employers to show appreciation. However, 59% of respondents feel that facility upkeep has either remained unchanged or deteriorated in recent years. 

“If we consider that this affects an estimated 100 million square meters of factory space, Hungarian companies have a significant gap to close in facility management. This can be achieved by improving service quality and increasing the adoption of innovations and advanced technologies.” – said Attila Puskás, co-owner and board member of Frame Group.

The survey also revealed that 22% of employees perform both physical and intellectual tasks. As a result, the quality of office environments directly impacts half of factory workers (52%), highlighting the broader significance of well-maintained workplace facilities.

One of the most common sources of workplace conflict in office environments is temperature and ventilation, which was also identified as the most frequent complaint in the survey. More than a third of respondents (38%) reported ongoing issues with indoor temperature control (air conditioning, heating), while 31% expressed dissatisfaction with ventilation and fresh air circulation.

“Temperature, air quality, and lighting are areas where technology plays a crucial role not only in ensuring comfort but also in improving energy efficiency. With an innovative approach and the latest building management systems, companies can enhance employee satisfaction while also reducing operational costs,” emphasized Attila Puskás.

Whether Hungary continues to pursue its industrialization strategy or new industrial trends shape the future, upgrading existing workplaces and facilities will remain essential. The research clearly highlights that employee well-being, workplace conditions, and the adoption of modern facility management practices are not only critical for addressing current challenges but also for ensuring long-term competitiveness. These insights serve as a strategic guide for companies not just to adapt to evolving economic and market conditions, but to actively shape them.