A Microsoft Surface report has highlighted that UK businesses are failing to invest in new, collaborative office environments that could encourage staff back into the office following the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the report, more than four in five UK workers (83 per cent) say they find themselves in the same office environment as before the pandemic.
The study also revealed that around one-third (35 per cent) of IT decision-makers had been asked to consider if the IT in their office is fit for the workforce.
Alan Slothower, Surface Business Group Lead at Microsoft UK, said: “Too many UK workers are stuck in the same office spaces as before the pandemic; their organisations have made little investment in building a sociable and collaborative workspace.
“Employees clearly need more enticement back to offices than an employer mandate.
“The question for leaders is clear: Are our offices fit for today’s workforce, and will they really want to come back?”
In the report, less than one-third (31 per cent) of office workers said that their organisation has invested in technology to improve collaboration between colleagues.
The study found that just six per cent of IT decision-makers recognise meeting room technology as a priority investment.
UK employees shared their top three frustrations with office work, with 36 per cent saying they feel like they achieve less at the office than when working remotely.
The cost and length of time commuting were also mentioned, along with the reduced time spent with loved ones.
Slothower added: “When the world shifted to remote work a couple of years ago, organisations focused simply on ensuring workforces remained operational by providing people with devices and tools to work from home. ”
“Now, as organisations and employees experiment with various types of hybrid models and workers head back to the office once more, business leaders must balance the need for continued productivity with employee expectations of the office – and ensure it is fit for purpose.
“Our research points to a clear need for businesses to not just re-design their offices, but truly re-imagine them for a hybrid future.”
The Microsoft Surface report was conducted by YouGov on behalf of the company.
Thousands of UK employees and more than 500 IT decision-makers were asked to give their thoughts on collaboration, productivity, and employee engagement.
