A new study highlights the benefits of working some days from the office.
- The research surveyed over 2,000 UK office workers.
- Most workers report increased happiness with partial office attendance.
- Key benefits include socialising, productivity, and work-life balance.
- Workers experience less anxiety when policies support flexible office time.
A comprehensive study involving 2,023 full-time UK office workers, conducted by Censuswide for office consultancy firm Making Moves, uncovers significant findings about workplace happiness. The research illustrates that working from the office at least some days a week boosts happiness. Notably, only 19.23% expressed unhappiness with this arrangement, a percentage that drops further to 7.95% among Gen Z workers.
The report reveals that 80.77% of workers find office attendance beneficial. Friday emerges as the most pleasant day for office work, with Thursday rated the least favourable. Among the top reasons cited for preferring office work are socialising with colleagues (41.52%), escaping home confines (39%), and improved communication and collaboration (35.69%).
Other significant motivations include enhanced productivity within the office setting (30.85%), having a dedicated workspace (30.45%), and better work-life boundaries (30.20%). Access to superior equipment and resources is valued by 29.16% of respondents, alongside increased physical activity (25.65%), fewer distractions (24.37%), and a preference for a social working environment (22.29%).
The study highlights the psychological impact of seasonal factors, particularly the importance of exposure to daylight. Neina Sheldon from Make Light Matter emphasises this, suggesting that getting to a workplace can provide a vital health boost. Employers are encouraged to offer flexible scheduling to help employees benefit from natural light during the winter months.
Further insights show a concerning 40% of office workers experience weekend anxiety over the impending workweek. Sally Evans of Making Moves stresses the need for employers to foster environments where employees can disengage after work. She advises that leadership set examples in promoting work-life balance to mitigate these anxieties.
As large corporations call for a return to office work amid critique, these findings suggest positive aspects of office presence that could counterbalance workplace stress. Methodologically, the research adheres to the standards of the Market Research Society, ensuring credible and reliable insights.
The study strongly suggests that partial office attendance can enhance employee wellbeing and reduce anxiety while improving workplace dynamics.
