Full-time office returns unlikely without workspace rethink

A new survey shows that despite a number of businesses wanting staff to return to the office on a full-time basis, experts believe this is unlikely with the current setup.

With the latest KPMG CEO Outlook revealing that 64% of global leaders expect staff to be back in the workplace full time by 2026, Unispace believes that employee engagement could be damaged if firms force staff to achieve these attendance levels.

Interestingly, Unispace data shows that over a quarter (29%) of businesses that have already mandated returns are struggling to recruit, while 42% have experienced higher than usual staff attrition rates.

Lawrence Mohiuddine, CEO EMEA at Unispace, suggests employees are struggling with office working and are likely to move elsewhere if forced to return to a space they do not feel productive in.

He said, “While encouraging a return to the office makes business sense for firms that have spaces going underutilised, there needs to be complete clarity around why people haven’t naturally begun heading into the workplace more and what difference workforces want from the space itself.

“With our data showing that people don’t feel productive in the office, it’s understandable that many want to continue working in a hybrid manner.

“However, with firms also revealing difficulties attracting and retaining staff at a time when skills shortages are still rife, it is imperative that business leaders get to grips with the unique wants and needs of their workforces and use this information to drive meaningful changes.

“What people need in the workspace today is vastly different to a few years ago. Having been able to work in quiet spaces but also collaborate online when needed, employees are rethinking how and where they want to work. If employers force a five-day office return too quickly and without finding out what their people want from the office, staff attraction and retention will be negatively impacted.”

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