Research from Making Moves suggests that spending some days in the office boosts happiness among UK workers.
- The study shows 80.77% of office workers find happiness working from the office occasionally.
- Gen Z workers report higher happiness levels with only 7.95% feeling unhappy working from the office.
- Social interactions and collaboration are key reasons for preferring office work.
- The weekend anxiety for the upcoming workweek affects many, despite office benefits.
A comprehensive study conducted by office consultancy group Making Moves, involving over 2,000 UK-based full-time office workers, reveals a noteworthy trend: working from the office at least part of the week significantly enhances happiness for the majority. Notably, only 19.23% of surveyed employees express dissatisfaction with working from the office, a number that notably decreases to 7.95% among Generation Z. This data highlights a generation-specific inclination towards in-office work, suggesting that younger employees may derive greater satisfaction from such environments.
Fridays emerge as the most favorable day for office presence, while Thursdays receive the least enthusiasm. The research elaborates on several motivations driving individuals back to the office environment. A prominent factor is the opportunity for socialization with colleagues, as affirmed by 41.52% of respondents. This desire for social interaction underscores the human aspect of office environments, contrasting the isolation sometimes associated with remote work.
Additionally, 39% of participants indicate that simply ‘getting out of the house’ is a significant motivator, a sentiment echoed particularly during the shorter daylight hours of winter. The importance of daylight exposure is emphasized by Neina Sheldon from Make Light Matter, who stresses the health benefits of morning sunlight, especially for those whose commutes occur in the dark. She recommends methods such as bright light therapy and outdoor breaks to harness these benefits.
Other compelling reasons contributing to the enthusiasm for office work include enhanced collaboration and communication with colleagues (35.69%), a preference for dedicated workspaces (30.45%), and the pursuit of better work-life balance (30.20%). Access to superior equipment and decreased distractions compared to home settings further propels the office as a beneficial work setting.
Despite these advantages, the report uncovers a significant issue: over two-fifths of employees experience ‘Sunday scaries,’ a term describing weekend anxiety about the upcoming workweek. Sally Evans, Managing Director of Making Moves, highlights this concern, advocating for a workplace culture that supports disconnection from work during weekends. Her advice emphasizes leading by example to foster a company culture where a healthy work-life balance is prioritized.
In light of recent directives from major corporations such as Amazon and Salesforce, which advocate for a return to office settings—a move met with disparate opinions—this report sheds light on the intrinsic advantages perceived by employees who divide their working time between the office and remote environments.
Balancing office presence and remote work appears to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
