Colliers survey: Dedicated workspace and routine key to boosting office attendance

by   CIJ News iDesk III
2024-10-30   10:39
/uploads/posts/e6081cd7f8e591be7d96ae5e0c8b78a2c5d014b2/images/243936834.jpg

Companies are ramping up efforts to encourage employees to return to the office by implementing hybrid work models and rethinking workspace configurations to better meet today’s workforce needs. According to a July survey conducted by Colliers, which included over 500 respondents, employees with a dedicated workspace and structured routine are more inclined to work from the office regularly. Among the main factors influencing return rates are stability, commute convenience, managerial expectations for in-person presence, and access to designated spaces that cater to diverse work tasks. These aspects, Colliers consultants note, not only support productivity but also foster essential face-to-face interactions and collaboration.

Romania has seen a notable rise in office attendance over the last 18 months, with approximately 55% of employees returning to office spaces in the first half of this year compared to 40% in early 2023. Colliers, Romania’s largest office property management firm, managing nearly 600,000 square meters of office space, attributes this upward trend to increased structure and stability within the workplace.

The survey shows that the number of days employees spend in the office largely depends on the level of autonomy they have in scheduling. Those with a company-set schedule average 3.6 days per week in the office, while those with more flexible, self-determined schedules attend about two days per week. Colliers data indicates that 65% of employees follow a structured schedule, with 46% adhering to company-set hours and 19% following team-agreed schedules, while only one-third have complete autonomy in their work hours.

Many companies have shifted to open-plan workspaces to ensure employees have a spot when they come in. However, the survey finds that employees with assigned workstations are more consistent, working an average of 3.3 days weekly at the office, compared to an average of 1.7 days among those without designated spots. Employees who come into the office at least three days a week often have access to personal workstations, whereas those attending one to two days generally use shared spaces.

“Factors like a consistent schedule, an allocated workspace, and clear expectations from managers positively impact employees’ willingness to come to the office,” explains Daniela Popescu, Director of Tenant Services & Workplace Advisory at Colliers. “While flexibility and autonomy appeal to many, a dedicated workspace fosters stability and ownership, which in turn promotes in-person collaboration. We see that tailored spaces supporting specific work tasks and needs can also be a strong motivator.”

The Colliers survey also finds that office attendance preferences vary across generations, with Millennials and Gen X employees—accustomed to pre-pandemic office culture—attending more frequently, while Gen Z employees, many of whom started their careers remotely, often prefer flexible, hybrid setups.

Company perks play a role in office attendance, with free coffee topping the list, available to 60% of respondents. Free parking and flexible hours are also common. Larger companies, particularly those with over 250 employees, typically offer the most comprehensive benefit packages. Social events, team-building activities, and professional development opportunities are also among the top offerings aimed at enhancing employee engagement.

Commute time remains a notable barrier to full office returns. The survey shows that employees’ one-way commute averages 30 minutes, with public transportation taking roughly 40 minutes and private car commutes about 10 minutes less. In Bucharest, 47% of employees drive to work, with similar numbers relying on public transport. For commutes under 40 minutes, cars are the preferred option, while public transit takes precedence for longer distances.

With hybrid work expected to remain prevalent, the Colliers survey underscores the balance between flexibility and routine in optimizing office attendance. Stability, structured spaces, and supportive benefits appear crucial as companies look to re-engage employees in a post-pandemic workplace.

Source: Colliers
Photo: Daniela Popescu, Director of Tenant Services & Workplace Advisory, Colliers

Switzerland
Albania
Asia
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Central Europe
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Spain
Hungary
India
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherland
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom
USA