Feature


New Global Study Reveals The Open Office Is Failing Today’s Workforce


“ 91% of employees say they would return to the office more often—if it better met their needs


The fully open-plan office, once hailed as the future of collaborative work, is no longer fit for purpose in the hybrid, post-pandemic workplace. This is according to a new report1


from Crown Workspace, which surveyed


1,250 office workers and facilities decision-makers across the UK, US, Singapore, India, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.


The research, commissioned by Crown Workspace, an expert in everything from office removal to workspace refresh, and full refurbishment,


reveals a growing


disconnect between the design of today’s offices and the evolving needs of their occupants.


Office Attendance: Preference Vs Reality


A staggering 91% of employees say they would return to the office more often if the space better supported their needs, highlighting a clear opportunity for businesses to reimagine their work environments. Yet, there’s a noticeable disconnect between attendance and employee preferences, while 59% currently work in the office full- time, only 41% say they actually prefer to. Nearly half (47%) favour a hybrid model, reflecting the growing demand for greater flexibility.


Despite this shift, the office still holds value. 45% of employees report feeling more productive in the office compared to just 25% at home.


How Environment And Design Are Impacting Productivity


Open-plan office spaces may have once been seen as a solution for collaboration, but the reality is they often fall short, especially when it comes to supporting creativity and productivity. Three quarters (75%) of employees say


22 fmuk


that the furniture, layout, and flexibility of their office space have a significant impact on their wellbeing and performance, yet fewer than one in four (24%) feel their current setup actually supports those outcomes. The message is clear, employees want spaces that work with, not against, how they focus and create.


”


Quiet


zones


and


personalised Workspace


are


high


on the wish-list — 67% say access to quiet areas is essential, while 77% value having a dedicated workspace. A further 70% believe having a designated desk with a personalised setup (rather than hot-desking) is critical to a positive office experience. For businesses looking to boost productivity, creativity, and a meaningful return to the office, designing Workspace that prioritise focus, ownership, and comfort is essential.


While the survey shows collaborative, open spaces can be positive for offices, it also suggests companies and organisations have neglected the role of quiet spaces for some time.


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