CANADA (January 2024) - As the global shift to hybrid work transforms traditional office spaces, the focus on creating work environments that enhance productivity and appeal to employees is paramount. In this two-part survey, Capterra looks at the advantages and disadvantages of coworking spaces and private offices and explores broader hybrid work trends and preferences of Canadian employees.
Evaluating Workspaces: A Shift in Priorities
With the rise of flexible workspaces, business leaders are reevaluating the value and effectiveness of their work environments. Considerations such as location convenience, amenity availability, and effective facility management are crucial aspects to evaluate when choosing between private or shared office space. In the first part of the survey, Capterra found that while 54% of respondents currently work in private offices, 46% are working from coworking environments. Notably, younger companies are more likely to work from coworking spaces, driven by factors such as affordability and flexible leasing terms.
Coworking Spaces vs. Private Offices: The Subjective Office Space Debate
Capterra’s research highlights that coworking spaces foster a collaborative atmosphere, with 44% of coworking respondents citing the benefits of a collaborative environment and networking opportunities. Despite the benefits, challenges in coworking spaces arise from shared amenities and many individuals sharing a single workspace. On the other hand, private offices offer advantages such as consistent work routines, valued by 49% of respondents working from these spaces. When asked about preferences, 65% of coworking respondents expressed a desire to work in private offices, while 73% of those in private offices prefer their current workspace. Employee satisfaction is slightly higher in private offices, with 86% rating their satisfaction as moderate to very high.
The Evolution of Hybrid Work: How Hybrid Employees Use Physical Offices
The hybrid workplace has become a popular work model, blending elements of remote work and office amenities. Our survey reveals that 69% of Canadian hybrid workers visit the office two to three times a week, challenging the notion of a rigid return-to-work strategy. Only 4% attend the office less than once a week, emphasizing the moderation in hybrid work models. As for the idea that employers are enforcing harsh 'return-to-office' policies, 23% of surveyed employees report having company-wide mandatory in-office days. This approach aligns with the preferences of 57% of employees who value face-to-face interactions in meetings.
The Future of Work: Adapting to Employee Preferences
Physical office space significantly influences productivity, with 81% expressing moderate to very high satisfaction levels in this area. Cleanliness (87%), facilities (83%), and comfort (80%) are also crucial contributors to employee satisfaction. Personal desks (57%) and individual offices (35%) remain prevalent, positioning Canada as a leading country in providing personal spaces. The underutilization of digital desk-booking (20%) suggests untapped potential in adopting hot desking trends.
A secure work environment is crucial for employee well-being. Our survey indicates that 46% of employees are very satisfied with workplace security. Moreover, Canada leads in codes of conduct (70%) and anti-harassment policies (68%), emphasizing the importance of comprehensive workplace policies.
As Canadian workplaces evolve, understanding employee preferences becomes paramount. Offering a mix of amenities, promoting flexibility, and ensuring a secure and inclusive workplace will be key factors in shaping the future of work.
Methodology
To collect the data for this study, Capterra conducted a survey in August 2023. To do this, a sample of 5,041 people were surveyed in the following countries: Canada (1,021), Australia (1,018), France (992), India (992), and the United Kingdom (1,018). The criteria for selecting participants are as follows:
- Between 18 and 65 years old
- Must be a part- or full-time employee
- Must use a computer to always perform daily work tasks
- Must work in a company with more than 1 employee
- Must not work fully remotely