Globally, only 38% of employees strongly agree that their workplace provides a great experience
Employers must do a better job redesigning the workplace to meet the demands of workers, according to a recent report.
That’s because incremental improvements are falling short of employee expectations for purposeful, flexible, and human-centred environments, according to the Gensler Research Institute.
“The future is here. Gone are the days of building workplaces in blind anticipation of growth. Today’s workforce desires an experience that is intentional, aligned, and purpose-driven—and one that continuously adapts to their evolving expectations,” says the think-tank. “This transformation requires physical and conceptual shifts in how we approach, allocate, and utilise the workplace.”
Most Canadian workers are OK with heading back to the office—but employers do not seem to be ready to meet their needs, according to a previous Cisco report.
How is the physical workplace environment improving?
Newly remodelled post-pandemic workplaces (within three years or less) are outperforming older spaces in several key areas, according to Gensler’s survey of 16,809 office-based workers in 15 countries, conducted online Aug. 24–Dec. 3, 2024.
In the overall office environment, the percentage of employees who feel they have a choice in where they work has risen from 64% in pre-pandemic offices to 76% in recently remodelled workplaces.
Newer offices score higher on ratings of key environmental factors, such as lighting, air quality, temperature control, and cleanliness.
Despite the improvement, employees choose where to work with others based primarily on what space is available. That comes before comfort, privacy, and convenience, among other things.
“It’s essential for organisations to provide not only a variety of space types, but also an adequate number of them,” says the Gensler Research Institute. “By intentionally aligning their work activities with the right spaces, employees could unlock significant improvements in both work experience and performance.”
Nearly half of Canadian workers don’t enjoy going to the office, according to a previous report.
Beyond the traditional office space
The Gensler survey highlights a significant shift in employee preferences away from conventional, business-like office settings.
Globally, only 38% of employees strongly agree that their workplace provides a great experience.
And very few workers feel that their employers are seeking their input in the office design. In fact, just 21% of respondents working in updated spaces felt meaningfully included in the decision-making process for their remodel, redesign, or update, while 29% felt little to no involvement.
Employees are over twice as likely to work in corporate-style settings than to want them.
Most employees describe their current workplace as traditional business hubs, collaboration hubs designed for group work, or coffee shop experiences. However, when asked to describe their ideal workplace experience, respondents ranked nature retreats, creative labs, and residential experiences alongside formal business settings as top choices. There is also a growing preference for collegial clubhouse spaces and workplaces that feel either like home (residential) or hospitality-infused (boutique hotels).
These design considerations have a high value when it comes to business success, as a well-designed workplace is a strategic driver of engagement, creativity, and retention, notes Gensler.
“High-performing workplaces motivate employees, boost productivity, and strengthen organisational culture. Prioritising workplace experience delivers measurable returns, making it a necessity rather than a luxury. But great workplaces don’t just happen; they require continuous evolution. Designing for flexibility ensures that spaces can adapt to both planned and unforeseen changes. Regular assessment and refinement are crucial to keeping pace with shifting workforce expectations.”
