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 | Nov 19, 2021
Creating net-zero/net-positive buildings is top priority in Green Building Trends 2021 report
Findings also demonstrate compelling business case for building green.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2021
Construction Startup Competition 2021 awards highlight tech innovations
AI-powered software to identify and explain critical issues in construction contracts takes top prize.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2021
Infrastructure bill contains $5 billion for energy efficiency in buildings
Wide range of programs to reduce energy use, improve materials, train workers.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2021
Skanska will provide embodied carbon assessments on all new projects over 53,000 sf
Will use the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator it helped create.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2021
NOAA, Univ. of Maryland, and ASCE partner on climate-smart engineering codes, standards
Efforts will account for climate change in future infrastructure design and construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2021
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute release new off-site construction standards
‘Will create consistency for off-site construction; accelerate the industry’.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2021
GSA will likely shrink federal office space post-COVID
Agency also needs to address maintenance backlog.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2021
Los Angeles launches fast-track office tenant improvements program
Red tape to be cut to make interiors healthier and safer.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2021
Florida state building professionals call for mandatory high-rise building inspections
Group recommendation comes in wake of Surfside condo collapse.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2021
Dept. of Energy to fund 10 pilot smart building projects
Connected communities will accelerate renewable energy adoption and grid resilience.