Gloomy Work Environment Troubles U.S. Office Workers

BUFFALO GROVE, IL--(Marketwire - July 1, 2008) - Cramped and noisy work environments with no natural light, greenery or ventilation describe the unsavory work environment of twenty-five percent of U.S. workers according to a new workplace environment study conducted by Echo Research* for Ambius, formerly known as Initial Tropical Plants.

Seventy-five percent of U.S. workers agree that the surroundings make work a pleasant and enjoyable place to be and sixty-two percent of workers agree they would be more motivated and productive if their employer made more of an effort to improve the workplace environment.

On average, U.S. workers feel they would be up to thirty percent more productive in a more attractive work environment. Seventy-one percent of U.S. workers surveyed feel that the environment at work has an enormous or substantial impact on employee happiness and motivation.

Sally Briese, president of Ambius, said, "This research clearly indicates that office environments with natural light, views of greenery and attractive color schemes are a critical element to attracting and retaining valuable employees."

The study indicates that the ingredients for a gloomy environment include cramped and noisy environments with no natural light, greenery or ventilation. Workers in these types of environments want windows they can open, plants and flowers and bright colored walls to make work a pleasant place to be.

The study also reveals that:

--  73% of U.S. workers say office surroundings are important when
    considering potential employers.
--  U.S. workers are a hard-working group who claim not to take many, if
    any, sick days.  However, 75% of those who work in a gloomy or depressing
    work environment have taken at least one sick day in the last year compared
    to 60% who work in a stimulating or relaxing environment.
--  Workers in offices with plants are significantly more likely to
    describe their work environment as stimulating or relaxing and describe
    their environment as a pleasant and enjoyable place to be with happy and
    motivated employees.
--  12% of workers cited a bad scent or odor as what they dislike most
    about their work environment.
--  11% of workers said what they'd most like to have in their work
    environment is "more attractive colleagues."
    

*This workplace environment survey was conducted by telephone among a random sample of the U.S. adult population who are employed full-time. In total, 426 interviewers were completed. Interviewing was conducted by Echo Research between April 11 and April 14, 2008.

About Ambius:

Ambius is dedicated to improving the interior landscape of businesses across North America. Ambius provides a broad range of products and services to enhance the workplace including interior landscaping, ambient scenting and odor remediation, wall art décor and holiday décor. Ambius is a division of Rentokil Initial plc (LSE: RTO). For more information, visit the new Ambius website at www.ambius.com

Contact Information: For more information, contact: Nancy Tamosaitis Vorticom, Inc. 212-532-2208