Employers that provides employees with the choice of where to work are the ones that will thrive in the post-pandemic world, according to a new report by Cushman & Wakefield.

The report, which is based on the global commercial real estate firm’s analysis of industry leasing data and surveys it has conducted since the onset of the pandemic, found while many employees want to have remote working options, data indicated employees need the office to support their desire to learn, make meaningful cultural connections to their organizations and to engage more deeply with colleagues.

According to the report, many employees rated their in-office experiences higher than remote work, with those who come into the office multiple times a week having the most meaningful experiences. Specifically, millennial and generation Z workers were more likely than other generations to report a positive employee experience when they frequent the office three to four days a week.

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“To compete for talent in an environment largely featuring labour shortages, corporate leaders will need to create office environments that inspire employees and draw them in,” said Despina Katsikakis, global head of occupier business performance and co-author of the report, in a press release. “Creating a comfortable workspace that attracts and engages will have to blend home and office environments.

“Companies should account for physical space, technology, the workplace experience, human and automated interactions, change management and communication strategies and integrated delivery across the workforce in various locations — in-office, at home and at flexible office locations.”

The report also detailed six different examples of organizations’ approaches to hybrid working models, with varying degrees of success. It noted that employers that want to thrive must balance a workplace that inspires and motivates employees while improving connectivity among and communication with an agile workforce, ensuring there are opportunities for remote work.

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