What about offices and workspaces in the post-Covid era? – Organization and advice

A return to the office in hybrid format

In the midst of the health crisis, telework is widely accepted in many sectors. But it seems that returning to the office is no longer a topic. In fact, only 8% of managers say they have a problem bring their employees back to the office. An opinion confirmed by 75% of employees who enjoy returning to their workplace, especially to see and communicate with their colleagues.

However, going back to the office is no longer 5 days a week. The hybrid modelmixing face-to-face and teleworking, thereby imposing itself more since today at least 70% of employees (and even 87% of managers) have access to telework an average of 2 days per week. ” Through this study, it clearly appears that the company is more than just a place of productivityexplained Julie Gaillot, Director of the Society division of the CSA Institute. It is a place of socialization, where employees come to meet, discuss and share. This clearly raises the question of social relations in a context where hybrid work seems to be becoming a new way of working with the normalization of telework.. »

Adapt the area to new ways of working

According to the study, the trend is no longer going reducing surfaces. Quite the opposite. 43% of managers have a real estate project within two years. Among them, 8% are in the process of moving or will move, mainly for larger, more accessible and more modern places. 22% plan to redevelop their current spaces and 12% will increase their surface without moving, especially by occupying additional space where their current premises are located. Most important is the adaptation of existing spaces to the hybrid work mode.

The post-health crisis phase, marked by a discourse of reducing surfaces linked to telework, is coming to an end. In fact, of the leaders who do not want to move, only 1% want to reduce their m². Furthermore, the location remains a key element in site selection. It is indicated as the first standard by 51% of managers and 54% of employees, followed closely by the layout of spaces (according to 45% and 41%) and equipment and tools (31% and 36%).

The work environment, an asset for attracting and retaining employees

L’work environment imposes itself and more as a strategic issue for managers, it is also considered important or a priority by 81% of them. A more noticeable trend in Île-de-France and in small structures of 50 to 99 people. 73% of managers recognize that for employees to want to come to the office, they must offer spaces that are “better than home”. This number rises to 79% in the service sector and 87% in companies with 250 to 500 employees.

The environment is therefore a real one lever for attracting and retaining employeesto the point of considering that a competitive advantage by 56% of managers (65% in Île-de-France and 67% in companies with 250 to 500 people). They are also 90% aware of the role of the places they offer in the welfare of their employees (91% in Île-de-France and 93% in the service sector) and 84% about their performance. 75% of employees also believe that the location contributes to their desire to stay with the company and 71% that they are an important or decisive criterion in choosing their future employer.

Workspaces: what do employees expect?

Although employees say they are satisfied with their places, they are more moderate than their managers. The proportion of “very satisfied” employees regarding comfort (-29 points), location (-27 points) and surface area (-24 points) is lower than managers. Employees are more likely to find their places very suitable for the image of their company (-29 points), respect to environmental standards (-27 points) and new ways of working (-23 points).

According to them, telework is still required rethink the use of spaces, up to 87% of respondents (90% of those under 35) versus 47% of managers. The health and well-being therefore at the heart of employee expectations. They are in fact in the majority to consider the beneficial offers of restoration (65%),sports activities (54%), mental health and wellness services (55%) or even a bedroom (51%). The share of companies that already offer it or plan to do so soon is systematically below 30%. What open ways of thinking leaders.

Sarah Kasmi

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