Barriers preventing effective RTO

Outdated technology, a slow set-up, and a lack of workspaces are the drivers behind the WFH preference among hybrid workers, research has found.

For its research, Desk Dread: 3 Reasons Employees are Dodging the Office, Logitech surveyed 600 US-based HR professionals in global companies and 1,350 employees across Australia, the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Japan.

Challenges for hybrid workers

Based on its findings, there were three key challenges that hybrid workers faced: technology issues, setting up their workspace, and workspace availability. Its data revealed that almost two in three (63 per cent) respondents reported dealing with technology issues such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues, broken and outdated equipment, or trouble with video conferencing tools.

Additionally, six in 10 workers reported that their work used outdated technology such as webcams, headsets, monitors, and keyboards, which worsened their productivity and wasted their time. As a result, almost one in four (23 per cent) of hybrid workers reported considering finding a job with a company that provides more up-to-date technology and equipment, which rose to 30 per cent for Gen Z workers.

On average, workers took 25 minutes to set up their desk and workspace, the study found. This process took up to 40 minutes for some team members, including those who reported that their organisation does not provide sufficient workspaces. This came as a source of frustration, said the research. One in two workers reported being frustrated with the set-up process, and one in four (26 per cent) reported dreading setting up their workspace.

Further, one in two (51 per cent) of workers said their workplace does not provide sufficient workspaces, it revealed. Adding to this dissatisfaction, 46 per cent of workers reported that their organisations need to add more quiet spaces, and 37 per cent reported wanting more individual desks and cubicles. Due to a scarcity of adequate workspaces, 31 per cent of employees reported having to arrive early to find a good desk.

Establishing a better work experience

Up-to-date and reliable technology and equipment will provide workers with a more seamless transition between home and in-office work, the report said. Improved office layouts that allow workers to move around throughout the work day, and quiet spaces, where workers can work undistracted were also highly sought after.

To make workplace set-up easier, desk booking technology can provide a consistent and predictable desk-sharing experience, helping to save time on space planning.

Logitech said: “Workers will always need to strike a balance between consistency and flexibility, and HR leaders must prepare today to ensure that workers have what they need to connect, innovate, and thrive tomorrow.”