A new Gensler report of 2,300-plus office workers found that at least half want companies to make some policy changes to keep them healthy before they return to work following COVID-19 shutdowns.
The study found that workers want stronger policies against coming to work sick, increased opportunities to work from home, and more rigorous office cleaning. A large majority of respondents said they’re more effective when they’re at the office and are eager to return.
The finding that workers prefer to work in the office is consistent with data that Gensler has collected since 2005. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers who had a choice about where to work spent 72% of their average work-week in the office, while just 12% worked from home.
Most respondents said they value face-to-face interactions over virtual ones, and miss their ability to communicate with their co-workers in person. To feel comfortable returning to the office, however, workers want their employers to adopt social distancing practices, and are open to adopting a shift schedule or a wider variety of working hours.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2016
Current California seismic codes provide safety, resiliency, but needed upgrades present challenge
Los Angeles requires seismic retrofits, but other cities do not.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2016
Apple spars with Cupertino, Calif., mayor over strained city infrastructure
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus project prompts questions about whether the company should pay more to offset traffic woes.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety
One example: Gilbane encourages safety harnesses for all working above 6 feet.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework
Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.
