Further to previous research regarding the reluctance of staff to return to work at their office, new research has been commissioned by Dash Rides - a Transportation service company.  This research suggests that workers who will return to the office do so because they have a belief that this will have a direct impact on their progression and performance at work. 

The research took place after the government indicated their intention to scrap Work from Home guidance and businesses contemplated the role of the office amidst the easing of full lockdown restrictions.

Of the 2,013 full-time city workers surveyed, 72 per cent of working professionals believe being in the office improves job satisfaction; 73 per cent think productivity is improved and 74 per cent believe performance and motivation is increased.

Being physically in the office will be a positive social experience and help build connections with colleagues was cited by 85 per cent of the survey respondents, whilst 65 per cent stated that absence from the office gave them ‘fear of missing out’.  However, despite 75 per cent of UK employees being more concerned about safe travel to and from the workplace than they are about safety at work, only 25 per cent say that their employer is actively helping them to put together a back to work travel plan.  

Time working from home has led many workers to consider the effect commuting has had on their health. Four out of five respondents say the pandemic has caused them to consider why and where they travel - with a further 76 per cent saying it has led them to look at new modes of transport, many of which they had not used before.

Their primary mode of transport would normally be by public transport - as stated by 29 per cent of those surveyed - and by either bike, e-bike or e-scooter, as stated by 22 per cent.  However, 80 per cent reported wanting to find greener and more sustainable ways of travelling that contributes more to their personal wellbeing.

The research also showed that, as a result of the pandemic, 82 per cent of workers would like their employer to rethink their employee benefits - such as office drinks; socials; travel and cycle to work schemes, with 71 per cent stating that they felt the benefits and remunerations offered by their company were outdated.

Jamie Milroy - CEO of DASH Rides - commented:

“Our relationship to the daily commute has irrevocably changed. Employees are increasingly calling out for new modes of travel that improves their health, wellbeing and productivity but their environmental footprint too. People are understandably concerned about the return of the commute so as businesses reimagine the office in a post-pandemic world, there’s a critical need to rethink travel to and from the office.” 

He added:

“Our data clearly shows that being physically present in the office has a big impact on people’s work and wellbeing. Although technology has enabled people to adapt to new working methods during the pandemic, and many of the changes we’ve seen over the past year are set to stay, there is something about working in a shared space that cannot be replaced by working from home.  But though many are keen to return to the office, COVID-19 has also given workers a chance to reflect and we’re seeing a shift in employee expectations. Workers are prioritising the ways their employers and themselves are benefiting the wider world and there’s an increased awareness that growth and success needs to be built on sustainability.”