As the return to office debate continues, we know employees are placing more importance on wellbeing and work-life balance. A recent survey conducted by flexible workspace provider Mindspace revealed that a staggering 9 out of 10 employees view wellbeing facilities and offerings as critical when selecting a workplace. Â
Additionally, 82% of employees expect their employers to actively support them in achieving a work-life balance. This data was sourced from Mindspace’s “Employee Wellbeing Data Report,” which analyzed responses from employees across various industries worldwide. Â
The findings suggest changes in how employees perceive the traditional workplace. While there’s been a gradual increase in return to office mandates, mostly in the form of hybrid work schedules, the emphasis on mental and physical health, as well as overall wellbeing, has also become increasingly important.Â
The survey also delved into the specifics of what employees expect from their employers in terms of support. 43% of respondents identified flexible working hours as the most impactful benefit. Other notable benefits cited by the survey respondents were flexibility in work location (21%), free healthy meals (24%), more vacation days (33%), improved health insurance (16%), and physical amenities like on-site gyms.Â
A quarter of the survey’s respondents stated that a lack of focus on wellbeing would negatively impact their desire to remain with their company. Additionally, 50% believed that motivation would suffer the most, followed by productivity (48%) and creativity (28%).Â
Mindspace CEO and Co-Founder Dan Zakai stressed the importance for employees to adapt to these changing preferences. He stated, “Companies that believe in returning to the office and want to retain their top talent should be forward-thinking and must recognize that built-in wellness amenities are not a luxury but a strategic necessity to promote wellbeing, to boost retention and to drive organizational success.”Â
As the global workforce demands more flexibility and support, companies will need to adapt to these changing dynamics to ensure success and retain top talent.Â