Savills explores current sentiment around hybrid working

As many as 87 percent of respondents believe that the physical office is essential for successful business operations, reveals a survey conducted by real estate advisory firm Savills. Additionally, 54 percent of respondents feel that the hybrid model combining working from home and the office is the best for their health and well-being.

In its Office FiT survey, Savills analyzed responses from over 100,000 office workers, owners, and occupiers of office buildings across EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).

More than half of respondents would like to work in the office at least three days per week. The strongest interest in working from home full time was expressed by workers aged 55+. There was a weaker preference for remote working from the youngest respondents (24-35-year-olds), which may be due to difficulties with learning at the early stage of career development outside the workplace, say the report’s authors.

“18 months into the pandemic, both companies and employees now have quite extensive experience of remote working. We have had an opportunity to learn about its many advantages and drawbacks. One thing is certain – offices must change because their users have different needs now. Looking forward, the quality of workspace is expected to be a key consideration for employers as it will be a factor helping them to stand out and attract and retain top talent,” Jarosław Pilch, Head of Tenant Representation, Office Agency, Savills, said.

Almost 75 percent of respondents expect lower levels of unwanted background noise on return to the office. According to Savills analysts, video conferences are here to stay with us post-pandemic and will increasingly include workers from home and the office. This is likely to cause discomfort to colleagues unless there are sufficient audio/video call facilities provided. Besides, personal safety was a top priority in a work environment for close to 80 percent of respondents.

(WBJ)