In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, many would have sworn that remote work was here to stay, but that has proven to be the opposite as big named companies like Amazon and Microsoft have mandated that employees return to the office full-time.
There are pros and cons to office culture, a report by XY Sense found. According to the report, 71 percent of respondents said that there is better collaboration in the office, with 80 percent saying that in-office work has improved their social life and well-being. In addition, 75 percent said that they have received stronger learning outcomes and mentorship while being in the office and 72 percent have maintained a better work/life balance.
With an increase in collaboration, 51 percent of respondents said that they have spent more time in meetings than they did pre-COVID. Most buildings are not necessarily designed to accommodate this, as 54 percent of respondents said that they struggle to find a meeting space at least twice a week and 44 percent can’t find a room daily in the U.S.
While people enjoy the sense of collaboration and camaraderie amongst their co-workers, they also struggle with the consistent noise pollution. According to the survey, 60 percent of workers are disrupted by open-plan noise at least twice a week. Changing temperatures also disrupt employee productivity, with 43 percent saying that they experience temperature fluctuations daily.
Indoor air quality remains a concern to employees post-pandemic. The report found that 42 percent of respondents report poor air quality multiple times a week. A report by R-Zero found that some people found that their physical health is negatively impacted by being indoors for long periods of time, with 511 percent also said that their mental health is also negatively impacted. They survey found that more Americans are worried about their health due to poor indoor air quality and have noticed multiple symptoms from being inside for extended periods of time. Symptoms include:
Nailing basic amenities like better noise control, stronger wifi, ergonomic furniture and improved air quality will only encourage more employees to return to the office.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
