- A Lincoln Property Co. survey finds that over 50% of U.S. workers prefer working in-office 4–5 days a week, with less than 20% opting for fully remote roles.
- Career stage and region heavily influence work preferences, with younger employees leaning toward hybrid arrangements and older generations preferring remote work.
- While amenities like catered lunches and modern spaces are appreciated, employees across generations value private workspaces, shorter commutes, and dedicated seats.
A new report from Lincoln Property Co. reveals that a majority of U.S. workers prefer being in the office over working remotely, as reported in CommercialSearch.
Diving Deeper
The survey, conducted in partnership with Big Village, shows that more than 50% of employees want to work in the office 4–5 days a week. Meanwhile, less than 20% of respondents are interested in fully remote positions.
The findings seem to contradict common assumptions about the growing appeal of remote work. However, it’s important to note that the survey, which ran from June 11th to June 17th, only received responses from 1,008 full-time employed U.S. adults aged 21+ who work in an office setting, or only remotely.
Career Stage Matters
According to the report, a respondent’s career stage plays a pivotal role in shaping work preferences.
- Younger workers, particularly Gen Z, show a strong preference for hybrid work, with 55% of early-career employees favoring 1–3 days in the office.
- Millennials and Gen X express a strong desire for more in-office work, with nearly half preferring to be in the office 4–5 days a week.
- Baby Boomers have the highest percentage of fully remote workers, at 19%, and the strongest preference for remote work, at 23%.
Practical Needs
While modern workplace amenities such as shared spaces and outdoor areas are attractive, the survey also highlights that practical needs like private offices, dedicated seating, and shorter commute times are more important across all generations.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents stated they wouldn’t consider going to the office if their commute was longer than 45 minutes, despite the national average commute being over 50 minutes.
The part of the country where employees work also impacts their preferences, further complicating efforts to design a one-size-fits-all office environment.
Why It Matters
While this latest Lincoln Property Co. survey had a relatively small sample size, its national and cross-generational findings certainly can’t be ignored outright, either.
As employers continue to navigate the evolving work landscape, understanding the preferences and motivations of their workforce will be key to creating compelling in-office environments.
Employers will need to continue balancing flexibility with practical quality-of-life amenities that cater to diverse employee needs and career stages to foster a thriving and engaged workforce.
