Physical offices no longer make up a large part of the employee experience

While we remain eager to safely leave coronavirus restrictions behind us and return to normal, there are several changes brought about by the pandemic which UK employees hope will stick around. The most important one being hybrid working, according to new research from Slack.

Hybrid working which allows a degree of flexibility to work at home, in the office, or split time between both. In fact, the majority (57 percent) of UK adults think employers should continue to offer hybrid working even after general restrictions are lifted.

Almost a quarter (22 percent) of all UK employees feel so passionately about hybrid working that they would consider leaving their current role if it were no longer an option. This rises to more than a third (35 percent) among 25 to 34-year-olds.

Further, as many as 39 percent believe that the option to work in a hybrid model would affect their job search, with more than a quarter (20 percent) admitting that they would be unlikely to apply for a position if hybrid working was not an option. This is because more than a third (35 percent) believe a hybrid model allows them to work more productively, as they are less easily interrupted or distracted, while 19 percent saying the option for more flexibility with where they work makes them happier.

“Physical offices no longer make up a large part of the employee experience”

While there is enthusiasm for hybrid work, this is still a new concept that everyone is adjusting to. With 19 percent saying that they have struggled with some colleagues being in the office and others working remotely, it is unsurprising that 56 percent have said they would only like to stay in their role if there is better communication within their team to manage asynchronous working.

Chris Mills, Head of Customer Success at Slack comments, “Now that physical offices no longer make up a large part of the employee experience, as companies shift to being digital first — prioritizing their digital infrastructures over physical office spaces — having a central, digital place for work and social interactions has become critical. These digital headquarters are where work now happens and culture lives. It’s not just a reflection of flexible, asynchronous work; it’s also an enabler of it.”

-Jayne Smith