The in-person workplace remains critical to how business gets done. As return-to-office expectations rise, employers have adapted their physical workspaces to address their employees’ needs. They are upgrading furniture, incorporating desk-reservation systems, and designating “quiet” and “activity” zones. But they still haven’t addressed issues that can have a negative impact on employees’ ability to do their best work. This report explores new research on the state of the physical workplace, and the gaps in infrastructure that may be holding employee performance back. Privacy- and focus-enabling spaces are essential for employee wellness — and productivity. Highlights include: Why employers’ top infrastructure changes are focused on revitalizing workplaces to better serve employees’ needs. Observations about the impacts of crowding, noise, and visual distractions on employee wellness and productivity. The workplace improvements that are supporting focused work and privacy.
