Do Flashy Amenities Bring Workers Back To The Office?

“To attract workers back to the office, companies are leaning on the presence of tricked-out offices with leisure areas, modern technology, fitness areas, outdoor spaces and other amenities. Nationally, large companies are hosting parties, pop-up events, free food and even celebrities to paint the workplace as more appealing than home, according to the New York Times.” As Bisnow reported on April 17, 2022, “With workers still visiting retail and entertainment but not at the office, it will take years for the office industry to find a new normal. Experts said getting 100% of the office back at one time is unlikely.” “According to Gensler’s latest U.S. Workplace Survey, about 55% of Americans were working in the office in some capacity as of the beginning of the year, though only 18% were in the office full time – the same percentage that expected to continue working full time in the office going forward….18% said they would prefer to work in an office two days a week, and 15% said one day a week. About a third surveyed said they would ideally prefer permanent remote work.” The San Francisco Business Times reported that Gusto, a payroll and benefits provider with 2,000 employees, let its employees decide how they wanted to work. “About 47% of the company’s workers chose full-time remote work. Just 2% chose to be in the office full time – and the rest picked a ‘flex’ schedule with some days in and some days out.” I don’t think free gourmet food or foosball in the office will change these figures…