The New Office Dynamic – What's Expected?

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07 May 2021

More than a third of US and UK office workers describe the prospect of going back to the office as the equivalent of going out to meet with friends, according to a new study by Chargifi, the hybrid workplace specialist.

Over a quarter of respondents also said they are now prepared to spend more money and commute for longer to reunite with colleagues. 60 per cent also anticipate easier collaboration, and 50 per cent anticipate better productivity once they get there.

“Many people are understandably excited about the return to the office, with over half stating that chance encounters and conversations with colleagues are amongst the best things about the office experience. 

"However, our study also exposes concerns around what they might find when they actually arrive."

 

– Dan Bladen
Co-Founder, CEO, Chargifi

The New Normal – Hybrid Working

The study also confirms recent Microsoft research findings which suggest that hybrid home and office working schedules are expected to become a widespread norm. Chargifi’s survey found that just over half expect to visit the office between two and three days a week. 38 per cent also expect to choose when they come to the office and when they leave.

However, it also revealed that many workers are nervous about workspace logistics, post-lockdown. A third expect the chance to book a particular desk before going to the office, and feel there will be more competition for the best seats and locations. 

Meanwhile, a quarter worry about being able to find the right kind of working or collaborative spaces. 34 per cent expect their employers to make more collaborative zones available, while 37 per cent want extra quiet working areas. 

Dan Bladen Co-Founder and CEO at Chargifi comments on the findings: “Many people are understandably excited about the return to the office, with over half stating that chance encounters and conversations with colleagues are amongst the best things about the office experience. 

“However, our study also exposes concerns around what they might find when they actually arrive. People are anxious about whether the environment will be optimised for their needs. Also, many employees now expect the ability to control where they sit when they return to the office more regularly.”

A New Operating System for a New Office Model

Chargifi has launched Chargifi Wx to enable teams and individuals to collaborate, connect and increase productivity in the hybrid environment without distraction. It enables employees to reserve particular desks or office neighbourhoods before visiting. Designed as a new operating system for hybrid work, Chargifi Wx empowers managers and teams to efficiently optimise and curate face-to-face collaboration in a hybrid environment.

Bladen continues: “We’ve all become more intentional about when and where we choose to work. Organisations who can provide certainty and control for staff as they transition to hybrid working patterns will reap productivity and wellbeing rewards. Despite this, just over half of survey respondents said their employer is yet to provide guidance or support on managing these adjustments.

“Regardless of whether teams are synchronous or asynchronous in nature, when it's time to collaborate Chargifi Wx removes the friction around work coordination - allowing employees to focus their talents more productively."

Picture: Dan Bladen Co-Founder and CEO at Chargifi.

Article written by Bailey Sparkes | Published 07 May 2021

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