New research reveals a significant portion of the UK workforce is hesitant about returning to the workplace full-time.
- More than 2.5 million UK employees say they will never feel comfortable returning to the office.
- A third of employees currently working from home wish to continue this arrangement permanently.
- Only 20% are ready to immediately return to their physical workplace.
- Commute concerns and shared office spaces are among top apprehensions.
New research indicates that over 2.5 million UK employees, about 8% of the workforce, express discomfort at the thought of returning to office environments. This insight comes from a survey conducted by online printing specialists regarding the sentiments of UK employees about resuming traditional work settings.
A remarkable portion, over a third of those still working remotely due to pandemic measures, desires to extend their work-from-home arrangement indefinitely. This preference highlights a potential shift in working norms shaped by recent global events.
Despite gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, only 20% of the workforce indicates readiness to resume onsite work immediately, with others targeting mid-2021 or even 2022 as suitable return periods.
Commute-related anxieties remain a significant deterrent, with over a third of employees expressing reluctance to face the daily journey to and from workplaces. Additionally, hesitations about shared kitchen facilities and the potential intensity of office life post-pandemic are notable concerns.
Social interactions like small talk top the list of missed workplace experiences, but many prefer to avoid specific topics such as COVID-19, politics, and furlough talk on their return. The social fabric of work life, enhanced by face-to-face engagement, is keenly anticipated despite these caveats.
The UK workforce displays a mixed readiness for returning to workplaces, underscoring the need for flexible work arrangements.
