The new code word in the battle for talent in the tight labor market is 'well-being'. Since the pandemic, employees have been - rightly - more concerned than ever about their mental and physical health. In a time when hybrid working is increasingly becoming the norm, where office workers have the freedom to choose where they work, the office plays an important role: 47% of the Dutch say they are happier working in the office occasionally, but they do have clear expectations for the employer. 68% of the Dutch find an office close to home very important. Moreover, 59% of the Dutch want the employer to help with a healthy lifestyle and provide access to healthy facilities at work. If there is no attention to this, the majority (57%) considers changing jobs.
IWG, the world's largest provider of flexible office solutions with brands like Spaces and Regus, researched the link between well-being at work and the role the office can play in this. For many Dutch people, the hybrid way of working, where a few days a week of working from home is combined with a few days a week in the office, is better for mental and physical health. No less than 71% say that a good balance between work and private life is crucial, and it is no coincidence that 63% find the freedom to choose where you can work better for well-being. About 69% of respondents find it important that the employer cares about the well-being of employees. Almost half of the Dutch (47%) even find health and well-being at work more important than a high salary.
About 79% of the surveyed office workers are positive about how hybrid working is applied in the company they work for, only 4% are negative. Two out of three Dutch people indicate they are happy to work in the office occasionally. More than two out of three (68%) believe that an office close to home is valuable. According to 36%, an office space close to home would lead to less stress at work. The freedom to choose where and when you work (47%), relaxation during the workday through a long lunch break or exercising while working (41%) would also lead to less stress.
'Calling from a coffee shop is disruptive'
Two out of three go to the office to feel more connected to their work and team. Quiet office spaces to work concentrated (56%) and daylight (47%) ensure that people feel comfortable in the office. About 54% also find it disruptive when colleagues call from a coffee shop or other places with poor connection or background noise. However, more than half of the Dutch (53%) would go to the office even more often if there was a gym and restaurant available for them to use. For one in four Dutch people, healthy lunch options are essential.
"In the battle to attract and retain new talent, employers must invest in the well-being of their employees," says Annelou de Groot, Regional Director Partnership Growth at IWG. "Hybrid working has become the norm for many Dutch people and contributes to better well-being at work, but companies can do even more. An office close to home, an inspiring and well-equipped office environment, and relaxation opportunities are crucial for office workers to feel good and reduce stress. The mental and physical health of employees is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Employers who opt for a flexible, hybrid way of working not only save on housing costs but also ensure that their employees feel good and are engaged. A win-win."
*Online research conducted by Mortar Research in September 2022 among 1,011 Dutch office workers, representative by region and gender.
Image: Spaces Hofplein Rotterdam
