What’s going on:
Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, published research revealing that while hybrid work is becoming the norm, the office still remains an essential part of the work experience. The report shows that globally, workers said they need to spend more time in the office than they currently do to maximize productivity. According to the report, “[G]lobally, workers said they need an average 63% of the workweek at the office to maximize their productivity.”
The study analyzed data from 14,000 office workers across 10 industries in nine countries, showing similar work styles and preferences worldwide.
Why it matters:
Hybrid work environments are becoming increasingly popular globally. Gensler reports that hybrid meetings now make up 57% of meetings held in the office.
While the pandemic has led to increased adoption of remote work policies, which in turn led to hybrid work environments, the role of the physical office as a hub for collaboration and connection also became important for businesses and organizations.
Understanding how employees work and what they value in a workplace can help organizations create more effective and engaging work environments. As Gensler reports, this may involve finding a “sweet spot”. Employees who reported coming into the office more than 63% of the workweek say that they need less time spent there, and those who less frequently go into the office report they need more office time.
How it’ll impact the future:
As the distinction between in-person and virtual collaboration blurs, employees may need to develop new skills and strategies for effective communication and teamwork. Larger employers like Google have already announced hybrid work environments, and the combination of these large studies and businesses experimenting with hybrid work policies might inspire others to adapt their office spaces to better accommodate the changing needs of their workforce, focusing on fostering collaboration, innovation, and engagement.
