A recent survey of 2,000 UK office workers sheds light on hybrid working preferences and privacy concerns.
- The preferred number of days to work in-office averages 2.25, aligning closely with employer expectations of 2.43 days.
- A significant concern for 33% of workers is privacy in the workplace.
- Although 41% of workers feel more productive at home, the office environment still holds potential if adapted.
- Commuting costs and conditions also play a critical role in influencing workplace attendance.
A recent survey conducted among 2,000 UK office workers offers a detailed snapshot of current hybrid working preferences, revealing that 2.25 days is the average preferred number of days employees wish to work in the office. This preference closely mirrors the 2.43 days required by employers, suggesting a growing alignment between employee desires and organisational policies. However, not all employees share this preference, as 24% are mandated to be in the office five days a week, highlighting a divergence in organisational requirements and worker expectations.
Findings expose a pressing privacy issue faced by one-third of office workers, indicating that the traditional open-plan office environment may not meet modern employees’ needs for discretion. BW Workplace Experts CEO Steve Elliott articulates that while open-plan offices maximise space, they may also contribute to privacy concerns if not balanced with private and independent work areas.
The study further reveals that the way office spaces are utilised significantly affects employee satisfaction. With over half of employees spending substantial time at their desks, the provision for collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and social areas is deemed valuable. Moreover, 27% of respondents favour wellness spaces, such as exercise or meditation rooms, while 11% see access to outdoor spaces as an incentive to visit the office more often.
Interestingly, the survey highlights a productivity paradox: while 41% of workers report higher productivity at home, only 26% find the office a more productive environment. The rest, approximately 32%, experience equivalent productivity at both locations. This discrepancy poses a critical challenge to employers who traditionally associate increased office presence with enhanced productivity.
Transportation costs and reliability are notable deterrents to in-office attendance, with 28% indicating they would commute more if it were cheaper and 24% if it were more reliable. Free snacks and beverages are also considered incentives by 22% of workers. Steve Elliott notes the increasing return to office spaces, advocating for changes to office design to foster improved productivity and address economic factors affecting this transition.
The survey underscores the need for adaptable office environments that cater to employee preferences for privacy, productivity, and convenience.
