Majority of Irish workers would return to office with improved facilities
85 per cent of Irish workers would consider returning to their workplaces if certain amenities were provided, a survey from property advisor Savills has shown.
Incentives such as faster internet and opportunities for mentoring could play a key role in luring workers in a variety of sectors back to the office, years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many into working from home.
The figures are even greater among certain generations - with 88 per cent of millennials and 98 per cent of Gen Z workers only supporting a return to the office if these benefits are provided.
The survey also discovered that over half of Irish workers are willing to commute over half an hour to their workplaces - a figure that varies depending on age and industry.
"We are witnessing a clear shift back to the office, not necessarily full-time, but at least for part of the working week," said Savills director of offices Shane Duffy.
"The work-from-home movement that gained momentum five years ago was hailed as a permanent transformation of the workplace. And while it has certainly reshaped the way we work, the dust has now settled, and both employers and employees are recognising that, while remote work has its benefits, it often lacks opportunities for connection, idea-sharing, and collaboration with colleagues." Return to the workplace - what would bring Irish workers back? The COVID-19 pandemic forced many into remote work environments (Image: Getty)
What specifically would tempt workers back to the office varies based on age, gender and current workplace arrangements. According to the survey, 38 per cent of men would return to the office if perks such as fast internet and an on-site gym were offered, compared to 29 per cent of women.
27 per cent of women would return with the promise of structured activities like social events, team-building exercises and corporate talks, while just 17 per cent of men hold the same view.
The results of the survey are also divided along generational lines - with the offer of a subsidised gym appealing less to older generations. This trend continues in other areas, as 40 per cent of Gen Z workers compared to 17 per cent of millennials would prefer more shops and amenities close to their workplaces.
Almost a third of those currently in hybrid work (splitting their time between working from home and in-person) would value more networking and collaboration opportunities in their offices, as well as subsidised meals.
Gym access is the most popular perk among fully-remote workers, with 37 per cent placing it as their top priority. Nevertheless, Duffy still sees value in the traditional workplace, saying that working from home can be "filled with distractions".
"Many workers still value having a dedicated workplace where collaboration and focus can truly flourish," he says. Commuting The average Irish commute currently stands at 36 minutes (stock photo) (Image: Craig Joiner/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
According to the survey's results, the average worker's commute stands at 36 minutes, with 30 per cent saying that they would cap their time spent travelling at 40 minutes.
A fifth of workers would refuse to commute more than 20 minutes to their places of work. These respondents were typically those in the millennial and baby boomer generation, standing at 23 and 26 per cent respectively.
Nationwide, 14 per cent of those working in and around Dublin would be more likely to put up with an hour-long commute, compared with just six per cent of Munster workers.
Zero per cent of hospitality workers and just two per cent of retail staff would be willing to travel more than an hour to work, with healthcare, corporate and education workers the most willing to put up with such a commute.
"The survey delivers a clear message from employees: the workplace experience matters, as does the time spent getting there," says Duffy.
"Employers must now take both factors into account – offering incentives that make office life rewarding, while also acknowledging the practical realities of how far employees are willing to commute."
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