Bike storage and environmental features scored very highly in the national study of workers by property researchers Savills.

The research found more than 12 per cent of staff cycle to work in the region, compared to a national average of seven per cent.

Many staff rated access to public transport as a priority when looking for a place to work.

Barry Denny, managing director of Denny Brothers printing company, which built a £5 million state-of-the-art printing centre in Kempson Way, in Bury St Edmunds, in 2001, said the new building was designed with workers in mind.

He said: "We wanted somewhere in pleasant surroundings for our employees to work in.

"We have a lot of cyclists in the company and we encourage them to ride because it is environmentally friendly, keeps them fit and saves money on petrol."

The findings, based on a study by YouGov called What Workers Want, showed what staff look for in deciding whether to accept or stay in a job.

The poll found buildings with natural light and environmental controls were all ways to keep workers happy and to retain a workforce.

The length of commute to work was also a big issue for staff in Suffolk, who battle one of the longest average commutes of 27 minutes in the country.

On-site facilities such as a gym or creche were also seen as attractive to potential staff.

Marie Hickey, associate director of Savills research, said: "Companies are becoming increasingly concerned with staff retention.

"Our research shows property fundamentals, such as temperature and location, are a primary concern and developers should factor these into buying criteria."