Report: Employees value flexibility and autonomy in the workplace
Eighty-one percent of employees who go into the office two days or fewer are satisfied with their part-time in-office setup.
The workplace in 2024 looks much different than it did before the start of the pandemic.
“Today’s workplaces are marked by flexibility and customization, fundamentally changing how companies operate and engage with their employees,” according to a new report from Reward Gateway │Edenred. “Employees today have more autonomy in choosing where, when and how they work. This flexibility has proven to be a key contributor to higher job satisfaction, with more than 82% of employees reporting that they are content with their current work arrangements.”
A recent survey by the company found that employee satisfaction varies by work structure:
- Fully remote employees: These workers are the most content at 93%, citing improved work-life balance (39%) and cost savings (37%) as top benefits.
- Hybrid workers (three or more days in office): Eighty-five percent express satisfaction with their hybrid arrangement.
- Hybrid workers (two or fewer days in office): Eighty-one percent are satisfied with their part-time in-office setup.
- Fully in office: Eighty-two percent report satisfaction with being present in the office full time.
“This range of satisfaction highlights the importance for organizations to stay adaptable, actively listening to employee preferences and continuously refining their workplace strategies,” the report said. “Nearly half of hybrid employees favor working from home, while a third lean toward the office environment. With no one-size-fits-all solution, companies must balance flexibility with productivity and engagement to meet the diverse needs of their employees.”
Despite varying work structures, survey respondents generally report consistent productivity. Fully remote employees said they have the highest productivity (69%), followed closely by fully in-office workers (63%) and then hybrid employees (52%). Personality also plays a significant role in structure-based productivity. Thirty-five percent of introverts report higher productivity at home, while 21% of extrovert prefer in-office environments for productivity.
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Recognizing these individual preferences is crucial for employers. By aligning work environments to better suit different personality types and job functions, organizations can increase engagement and optimize productivity across their diverse workforce.
“As the workplace continues to evolve, employers are navigating new challenges in modern employment practices,” the report concluded. “Employees are generally satisfied with their work arrangements, yet there’s still plenty of room to boost engagement and productivity in this new landscape. By understanding what today’s workforce values, employers can make informed decisions to create a more fulfilling, efficient and engaging environment for their teams. The key takeaway? Satisfaction is high, but there’s always an opportunity to improve.”