In the shifting post-pandemic work landscape, companies have focused on creating office environments with shared spaces and high-end amenities from catered lunches to modern outdoor spaces, all with a goal of enticing employees back to office buildings.

However, while a majority of workers are interested in working at least a few days a week in the office, it isn't necessarily these types of amenities that are bringing them back, according to Lincoln Property Company's latest office report. In fact, what employees say they want in an office space often varies by generation, and no one-size-fits-all solution is likely to be successful.

One thing employees of all generations agreed on is the value of dedicated seats and private offices, signaling a preference for productivity, efficiency and a sense of belonging, the report found. Even Gen Z respondents, who the report identifies as the most likely cohort to value work/play amenities, said dedicated work space is a high-value feature. Beyond office amenities, the traditional motivators to return to the office continue to include increased compensation, workplace functionality, colleague relationships and career development.