Employees are returning to offices — here's what they want to see

The pandemic has changed the way employees are looking at workplaces. Some choose to remain at home where they feel more comfortable, while some opt to return on-site where they hope to be more productive. However, returning to workplaces with the pandemic still in tow are raising safety concerns among staff, especially since taking care of one's health is one of the biggest takeaways from the pandemic.

So, what could make employees feel safe as they mark their return to the workplace? And what could employers do about it?

Instant Offices carried out a study to find out what are the important things for staff as they start returning on-site.

According to the study, 70% of the participants said availability of outside space and natural light are needed to improve wellness within the workplace.

Nearly half of them also said that ergonomic furniture are important amenities to improving overall wellness. Another amenity for 59% of the respondents is having a relaxation or non-work-related spaces, also for the purpose of improving overall wellness.

The survey also revealed that employees want adjustable temperature in the workplace, as respondents said improvements to air quality are key drivers to wellness in the workplace.

Read more: Health minister reminds employers to provide better office ventilation

The results reflect a recent survey from Honeywell which revealed that more than half of employees would quit over poor office air quality. The respondents said that having a safe indoor quality could result to improved overall physical health.

Employers should take note of the following results if they want to lure back more workers to offices. Ordering employees to come back may not be enough attract staff members back, but employers should start redesigning workplaces that also support the physical and mental well-being of their occupants.

Doug Wright, president and CEO of Honeywell Building Technologies, previously said that "demonstrating an effort to create a healthier work environment can be an advantage in attracting and retaining employees."

"Every dollar invested in upgrading workplace air quality, monitoring [indoor air quality] data and communicating it to employees is a dollar strategically spent," he said in a statement.