Remote or at the office, the question is just a formality

Poll published in Ergonoma Journal – 63 (April, May, June 2021)

While Apple has just announced a return to the office 3 days a week, what is the perspective of employees on the evolution of the world of work in recent months. For Apple CEO Tim Cook, «Despite all that we have been able to accomplish while many of us have been separated, the truth is, something essential has been missing over the past year. One and the other». Génie des Locations carried out its investigation of this Atlantic coast. Short summary of the survey published in our last issue of Ergonoma Journal.

The independent consulting firm in design, co-design and production of workspaces Génie des Lieux, conducted a survey * among 3,908 professionals spread across the country. A study to better understand their vision of work in the future. But also on the changes made in companies since the start of the health crisis.

Unlike Facebook and Google, Apple wants to help a large part of its employees find their way back to the office. The two web giants have, for their part, announced an extension of teleworking until the end of the year.

However, the analysis of Tim Cook is crystal clear: «Video conferencing has reduced the distance between us, but there are things that it simply cannot reproduce.»

A feeling strongly shared on this side of the Atlantic. In any case, this is the final result of the opinion poll conducted by Génie des Lieux. For the consulting firm, employees will return to the office in 2021. Moreover, 77% of French companies were already thinking about it.

Adaptation: could do better!

When we ask employees how they assess the company’s adaptation during the crisis, almost half of the respondents have a positive image (6% Excellent, 11% Very good and 28% Good).

The real impact of the health crisis on businesses is still difficult to assess. However, 41% of them believe that their company has adapted only moderately to the situation. And only 12% think it was “not that great”.

It goes without saying that this will be a gradual return to “normal life” depending on the country and the health situation.

Little consultation

In his memo, the CEO of the Cupertino company indicates that employees who wish can be remotely working from Monday to Friday. Up to two weeks each year. However, they will have to receive the green light beforehand from their superiors.

On the old continent, however, little or no consultation. 61% of companies do not plan to consult employees on the evolution of work. We can easily imagine that companies are still actively managing the crisis.

Only 17% have already consulted employees on their wish for development with regard to their work practices. Note that this figure is set to change, 22% of companies have planned consultations during the year.

How have companies evolved?

46% of people questioned think that their company has made a lot of progress and improvements. In particular on the issue of teleworking.

In addition, for 19% of respondents, it is above all internal communication that has evolved the most. Just ahead of manager training with 13%.

For 1% of those questioned considers that their company has evolved the most by giving them greater confidence.

Cherished freedom …

In detail, Apple employees will have to be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. They will be entitled to work remotely on Wednesdays and Fridays. The situation can change depending on the business of course.

Some employees may be required to work all week on site. And therefore completely eliminate teleworking.

This is what Tim Cook suggests «I know I’m not the only one who regrets the buzz of activity, energy, creativity and collaboration of our in-person meetings and the sense of community we have all built .»

One in four companies favor hybrid work

As you will have understood, leaving the choice entirely to work from home or face-to-face employees is therefore not yet for tomorrow. Even if more than one in 4 companies gives themselves the opportunity to reflect on the terms.

52% of the companies questioned are categorical. For them, it is simply No. They will not leave employees the choice of where to work. Only 15% are likely to grant this freedom for remote workers 1 or 2 days a week.

However, 5% of them aspire to abandon their physical offices. With the ambition of a completely remote organization and employees dispersed throughout the territory.

The pandemic will have allowed companies to evolve on certain subjects. To equip themselves to find their employees in the office in the best conditions. It seems that the current trend is towards a return to normal. And that companies are gradually preparing, to signal the end of remote commuting.

You can find all surveys on Génie des Lieux website

Source: TheVerge, GenieDesLieux