The Human Workplace Index, introduced by Workhuman in August 2021, is a monthly survey aimed at providing insights into the thoughts, concerns, and feelings of full-time U.S. employees regarding various aspects of the workplace. This index was created to assist organizations during the transition back to physical offices and to offer ongoing guidance beyond that.
Key findings from the Human Workplace Index focused on the return-to-work include:
Culture is Key: The survey highlights the importance of workplace culture in retaining employees. A significant percentage of respondents expressed that they were staying in their current roles because of their company's culture and co-workers. However, it's noted that many employees are considering leaving their jobs within the next year, emphasizing the need for organizations to prioritize and nurture their workplace culture.
Employees Are in the Driver's Seat: The index points out that employees have gained more influence in the job market, with some being more likely to consider leaving their jobs or asking for better benefits and raises. These trends vary between genders and ethnicities, suggesting that organizations need to be aware of these differences and respond accordingly.
Safety Concerns: The survey found that concerns about physical safety are still prevalent among employees, particularly among People of Color (POC). The Delta variant of COVID-19 has led to hesitancy among some employees about returning to the office. This indicates that organizations should prioritize the physical and psychological safety of their employees.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work arrangements are in high demand, with a majority of respondents expressing a preference for a four-day work week or flexible work days. Preferences vary by gender, age, and ethnicity, emphasizing the need for organizations to tailor their return-to-work policies to meet the diverse needs of their workforce.
Individual Preferences: The index also highlights the importance of considering individual preferences. Some employees, particularly working parents, expressed strong preferences for remote work over returning to the office, underlining the need for organizations to take into account the unique wants and needs of each employee.
The Human Workplace Index serves as a valuable tool for organizations to understand the evolving sentiments of their employees and adapt their strategies accordingly. It underscores the significance of workplace culture, employee preferences, and safety considerations in shaping the future of work.
The Human Workplace Index explores workplace expectations for the summer months, providing insights into employee attitudes and desires during this season. Here are some key findings from the survey:
Happiness at Work: The survey indicates that a significant portion of employees (78%) are happy with their current companies. This includes those whose happiness has either increased (34%) or remained the same (44%) over the past month. Additionally, 84% of respondents feel somewhat valued at their companies. However, it's essential to note that 18% of workers are seriously considering quitting their jobs, with 72% of them planning to leave within the next 90 days. This potential turnover could lead to avoidable costs for organizations.
Vacation Plans: Over half of the respondents (68%) are planning to take a vacation during the summer. Notably, 24% of those planning vacations intend to work remotely rather than taking traditional time off. This shift toward remote work during vacations aligns with the flexibility that many employees have gained in recent years. Furthermore, 52% of employees are looking to extend their summer vacations, thanks to the flexibility offered by hybrid and remote work arrangements.
Business Travel: While only 25% of employees are currently planning business travel for the summer, 56% of workers report feeling comfortable traveling for business in the coming months. This indicates a readiness to resume business travel, which is essential for organizations as conferences and work-related travel pick up again.
Changing Employee Mindsets: The pandemic has brought about changes in employee perceptions of traditional workplace norms. For instance, 50% of employees feel differently about dress codes in physical offices post-pandemic. A significant portion of companies (33%) is responding to this shift by offering a more relaxed dress code for returning employees.
Desired Summer Perks: The survey found that the most desired summer perks among employees is flexibility in schedules (60%). Nearly half of the companies surveyed (49%) are providing employees with a more flexible schedule during the summer. Other valued summer perks include additional time off, company outings, and casual dress codes.
Overall, the summer months present an opportunity for organizations to re-energize their employees by offering flexibility and other perks that align with their evolving expectations. This can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
