Comfort, control and privacy: that's what returning employees miss in the office

Comfort, control and privacy: this is what employees who return to the office miss the most. As an organization, how can you best meet the needs of employees in the new era of hybrid working? What do people value more and how should the workplace change to optimally support hybrid work?

To find out, Steelcase interviewed nearly 5,000 employees in 11 countries. The study looked at people who are now back in the office after working from home for a long period of time. From their perspective, what can we learn about what is really needed in the workplace?

The study shows that there are three key points that returning employees in the office need:

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1 - Comfort: hybrid collaboration spaces

Collaboration between personal and external colleagues will be a defining aspect of the new workplace. In fact, those who have already returned are experiencing what a pain point it can be. Many people now need to connect more often, whether it's “one-to-one” or “many-to-many.” There is a lot of demand for hybrid collaboration spaces. Without enough of these types of spaces with the necessary technology and comfort (power, cameras, lighting, furniture, acoustics), people may feel that they are disturbing, unable to hear, or are being heard properly. The need for spaces that can be used for collaboration is great: for a multi-person meeting or a video call on your own.

2 - Control: personal areas with control over technical controls

Easy-to-use, personal spaces are essential in the new world of work. According to the study, one of the most important elements a workplace should offer is access to tools and technology and the ability to work effectively with others. That's where personal space comes in. These are spaces that can be assigned, planned, or accessible to everyone; a place that people can easily access with space control.

3 - Privacy: need for a “private space”‍

Of course, collaboration is an important part of the hybrid office, but focus time (and focus space) is also valuable. Employees need to call a space their “own space”; to feel comfortable, connect with colleagues during a video call, and gain some control over their environment. That's why employees who returned to the office after working from home consider privacy very important these days. In many ways, privacy equals comfort, especially when it comes to hybrid and virtual collaboration. Spaces that are too small or too open can cause dissatisfaction for the employee who returns to the office. In the study, many employees say that an open space can be too noisy or make them feel like they are disturbing their colleagues. They also seek visual privacy and a place that, like personal spaces, is well equipped with technology and is easily accessible for virtual collaboration.

The pandemic has caused a lasting shift in how and where people work. Employees have more influence, choice, and control when it comes to remote work. Studies show that employees are at their best when they enjoy working from the office, but research also shows that a more creative, inclusive and supportive workplace is needed to attract people back and retain and attract new talent.

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Get to know Akoesta's effective approach
We are convinced that the work environment contributes significantly to the health, productivity and happiness of employees. Happy spaces make for happy faces. That's why we're happy to advise you how the right acoustic solution can transform your office into a place where employees, business contacts and, of course, you can stay acoustically comfortable.

Every situation and space is different and requires a specific approach. The effective Akoesta's approach covers all aspects of acoustics such as acoustic measurements, acoustic advice, 3D visualizations and editing. Akoesta creates customized acoustic solutions and has a wide range of acoustic products for work environments.

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Source: Steel case