Office Workers Want to Keep Working at Home, Just Not Every Day

(Bloomberg) -- Office employees are getting used to the perks of telecommuting, and expect it to continue even after the pandemic ends, but most aren’t ready to abandon the office entirely, according to a survey by Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

A majority of employees want to continue working from home at least two days a week, according to the brokerage’s survey of more than 2,000 workers globally. Only 26% want to work from home full time after the Covid-19 pandemic passes.

“The crisis has revealed a real need to address quality of life and work-life balance,” Marie Puybaraud, global head of research for JLL Corporate Solutions, said by phone.

Most workers also expect their bosses to support their work-from-home needs, including a dedicated allowance, coverage of electricity and internet expenses and technology tools, the survey found.

Companies have been grappling with how much physical space they need, as more employees get used to working remotely. Shares of major office landlords have plunged this year as supply continues to grow in major markets. A Bloomberg index of office real estate investment trusts is down about 24% in 2020.

Still, employee engagement has dropped off as work-from-home drags on. Most workers surveyed agreed that the office is more conducive to collaboration, with 66% of respondents preferring a hybrid model.

“Working from home isn’t a panacea, it’s difficult, it brings about a whole different set of stressors,” said Neil Murray, chief executive officer of JLL Corporate Solutions. “There’s also a desire to get back to this sense of community and creativity of the office.”