Flexible work, health and safety awareness shift office expectations
Employees' satisfaction with their offices has seen a decline post-pandemic, leading to fewer hours onsite despite growing office-return mandates.
Researchers from the University of Sydney recently found a decline in workplace satisfaction across key office factors, with the biggest drops recorded in:
According to the study, this indicates reduced satisfaction with their control over Indoor Environmental Quality parameters, such as air movement, heating, cooling, and lighting systems, as well as the overall workspace environment.
"The widespread adoption of prevention measures and flexible work models may have influenced employees' expectations and preferences for spatial arrangements and control over their environment," the report read.
"Increased awareness of health and safety due to COVID-19 may have shifted expectations around access to natural elements, improved ventilation, and greater control over workspace."
The drop in employee satisfaction over some key office components comes as fewer employees spend long hours a week onsite.
It found that only 27% of surveyed office workers are spending more than 30 hours a week at their workplace, down from 69% before the pandemic.
Women and employees who are aged between 30 and 50 reported the biggest drop in weekly office hours, according to the researchers.
"This reduction likely reflects increased family responsibilities for those respondents – such as school drop-offs or being available during school holidays – alongside a broader pursuit of work-life balance," they said in an article for The Conversation.
The findings come as 40% of employers plan to mandate in-office days this year, according to Robert Half, in a bid to improve productivity in their organisations.
To adapt to employees' shifting needs, the study said facilities teams should take a "more comprehensive approach" in addressing post-COVID challenges.
"Facilities teams should address post-COVID challenges related to indoor air quality and occupant comfort by considering a more comprehensive approach — one that integrates workplace ventilation, spatial reconfiguration, and enhanced occupant control over key environmental parameters," the study read.
With flexibility becoming the norm, the research also underscored the need for spaces to be reimagined to support varying occupancy levels.
"Moreover, including privacy considerations, workspace transitions, and personalised experiences is essential in creating human-centred workplaces that prioritise employee comfort and productivity."
