New research shows more employees are opting for hybrid work schedules, with US staff spending an average of two days per week in the office.
The report from global commercial real estate company JLL finds globally workers spend 3.1 days in the office.
The peak attendance is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Read More: Amazon Blocks Promotions For Staff Not Following Return-To-Office Orders
The trend shows a return to the office, as 87 percent of international organizations now encourage on-site work at least some of the time.
This represents a shift from a year ago when 39 percent of employees worked completely remotely or up to two days in the office, compared to the current 20 percent.
Neil Murray, CEO of Work Dynamics for JLL, said: “As more workers return to the office several days a week, we’re continuing to learn about the shifting preferences for ways of working and how we can better deploy technology and flexible arrangements to meet these expectations.”
A survey of over 20,000 office staff revealed variations in in-person attendance across regions.
Read More: Amazon Could Fire Staff Who Refuse Office Hybrid Working Models
It ranges from two days in the US and the UK to over four days in China, India, and South Korea.
These differences stem from cultural nuances, living arrangements, and structural factors.
Employers stressed the significance of in-person work for employee productivity, ranking it among the top three factors to attract employees to the office.
They also recognized the role of advanced office technology and improved amenities in enticing workers.
On the other hand, employees valued the physical office as a hub for socialization, innovation, and professional growth.
Looking to boost your online brand? Create your FREE business profile at WhatBiz? Here.
However, they identified commuting, noise, and a lack of privacy as the primary barriers to working from the office.
According to Owl Labs, approximately two-thirds of employees now work in the office full-time.
However, only 22 percent preferred a full-time in-office schedule.
“Coffee badging”
A significant portion (58 percent) acknowledged engaging in “coffee badging,” visiting the office briefly to make a visible appearance.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
Many employees said they feel excluded from discussions about hybrid work and return-to-office mandates, according to an Eagle Hill survey.
Nearly half indicated they would consider leaving their job if their flexibility was reduced.
As HR experts suggested, successful return-to-office policies involve engagement strategies such as “stay interviews” to understand employee preferences.
It includes schedule flexibility, comfortable and collaborative spaces, and design aesthetics.