A survey of Northeast businesses shows 41.5% of business executives are planning a full-time return to the office, and 39.4% are planning for a hybrid model, i.e., splitting employees’ time between working remotely and in the office. Fewer than one in five executives (19.1%) expect working remotely to be a permanent solution. The survey of 200 executives by WB Wood found that 39.1% expect to return to the office in the second quarter of 2021 (April through June), with 70.9% expecting a return to the office before the end of this year.

CONSIDERING lingering health concerns from the Covid-19 pandemic, 21% of executives are planning to make either modest or substantial adjustments to their office layout, says WB Wood. Optimizing floor plans tops the list of redesign priorities (17.7%), followed by integrating new technology (12.8%) and implementing aesthetics that promote wellness (7.4%).

A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half revealed about 1 in 3 professionals (34%) currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if required to be in the office full time. Half of all 1,000 employees surveyed said they prefer a hybrid work arrangement, where they can divide time between the office and another location. Only 25% wish to return to the office full time.

LIKEWISE, only 26% of professionals wish to remain fully working remotely. Even if given the opportunity, 28% of professionals were concerned relationships with coworkers could suffer, 26% cite decreased productivity while at home and 20% see fewer career advancement opportunities due to lack of visibility, according to Robert Half.

AT the same time, workers may not be ready to return to the office. Professionals are requesting to ease into the transition, such as having the freedom to set preferred office hours; a personal, distraction-free workspace; employer-paid commuting costs; relaxed dress code; and employer provided child care.