Steiner Office Barometer: Switzerland loves working from home

Back to the office after working from home or would you prefer to stay at home? Ideally both! These are the results of the Steiner Office Barometer, a broad study. 9 out of 10 respondents who could theoretically work from home would like to continue working from home in the future. But many want to go back to the office - preferably in offices in a central location and with their own workstation.

With the decline in the number of corona cases, the Federal Council could soon lift the home office obligation. Reason to cheer or to be annoyed? As the Steiner study carried out in German and French-speaking Switzerland with over 1,000 employees shows, 9 out of 10 respondents who currently work at home or at least theoretically could do so are in favor of home office. However, many miss the social contacts in the office.

Bosses discover the advantages of working from home

It is noticeable that 39% of the respondents had the opportunity to work from home even before they were required to work from home. Currently 48% only work slightly more from home – with a maximum potential of 56%. There is a tendency for more people to work at home in cities and in large companies than in rural areas and in SMEs. In particular, employees with a managerial function (51%) or from company management (61%) currently work from home and obviously appreciate the advantages. Before the pandemic, it was just under 42% and 37%, respectively.

Since younger people in particular want to work more at home, a home office offer could become an advantage in recruiting in the future. Of those surveyed who could work from home, two thirds (65%) work for employers in the city. Four out of five (81%) work for employers who have their own office space.

Employees want the best of both worlds

Home office is a great need. Nevertheless, many respondents do not want to do without a fixed office workplace. Two thirds have one today. A central location of the workplace remains important for the majority of the respondents, even if they do not commute every day. Many employees want the best of both worlds: the freedom of the home office, but still the familiar environment in the office.

What does this desire mean for the construction of new residential and commercial buildings, in the city as well as in the country? Central, urban workplaces will continue to be in demand, while offices in peripheral locations will probably meet with less demand. Even more creative solutions will be required from planners in the future. On the other hand, thanks to the acceptance of home offices, peripheral places of residence could also become more attractive.

Steiner is already planning a home office

When developing real estate projects, Steiner takes social trends into account and responds to the social challenges of the future with innovative building solutions and forms of living. "In residential construction, we are responding to the desire for home office with new ideas," emphasizes Michael Schiltknecht, Head Real Estate at Steiner AG.

Michael Schiltknecht is convinced that Steiner already offers solutions and tailor-made answers to the requirements of the future in the office and commercial sector: “We have developed the sustainable and multi-dimensional“ Manufakt ”concept, which, in addition to modularly usable rooms, offers an offer of divided and as required required meeting rooms, flex offices and meeting areas ».