The research firm surveyed more than 2,000 United States employees in 10 different industries about their use of their company’s workspaces.
After sampling a life of remote work, many are reluctant to go back to sitting in an open-plan office every day to complete their assignments, and would rather try flexible working spaces, digital nomadism, or even “workcations”, these new ways of working that focus on flexibility.
But this doesn’t mean they don’t want to come back to the office from time to time. The survey reveals that 48% of employees believe the office is the ideal place to be efficient and productive, despite other studies having shown that it is also a place of constant disruption, between the often seemingly endless meetings, the ambient noise, and the various requests and interruptions from colleagues.
In comparison, only 36% of employees said they would return to the office with the aim of socialising. This figure is surprising given that the pandemic led many managers to present the company’s premises not as a place of productivity, but of interaction and conviviality.
The office as a hybrid space
From wellness spaces and gyms to concierge services and local food services, lifestyle perks are a major trend in the workplace today. However, this is more in line with the expectations of Generations Y – the so-called Millennials – and Z than older workers.
“While younger generations have a clear preference for hospitality-focused experiences, older workers prefer a blend of corporate and hospitality-focused experiences,” reads the report from the Gensler Research Institute.
Despite this generation gap, the majority of employees surveyed want their office to adapt to their needs, not the other way around. They want quiet work spaces to focus on difficult tasks, but also rooms where they can meet with colleagues, outdoor spaces, and even a nap room.
If their company’s premises met these diverse needs, employees would be perfectly willing to work there more often. For example, 42% of respondents are willing to come in one extra day a week if the office offers a variety of experiences; while one in five would even consider coming back full-time.
For Janet Pogue McLaurin at Gensler, it is essential for managers to be aware of the great versatility their premises must offer if they want their employees to come back with enthusiasm.
“The data illustrates that employees are looking for offices that are both effective in supporting their ability to focus on their work and offer a more desirable mix of experiences,” she said.
“Understanding how workers spend their time, and what experiences and work settings they need to perform best, is critical for business performance and employee engagement.”