Survey: office employees don't want to give up remote work

Talk of returning to an office — albeit a much different one, and some cases, smaller — has begun to percolate in businesses nationwide.

But getting employees to embrace the office again could be a big challenge for some executives and landlords, according to a new survey from real estate data firm Clever. To start with, 63% of respondents say they prefer working remotely to a traditional office, and nearly 30% say they plan to continue to work remotely in the future, even after the pandemic, the survey found.

Another looming issue: less than one-fourth, 24%, of those currently working in an office feel safe at work, according to the survey, which polled 1,000 employees nationwide. In addition, more than half, 56%, of poll respondents say their company is not taking appropriate safety measures regarding COVID-19 protocols. The survey asked the respondents what would make them feel more comfortable in an office environment. Answers included:

• Everyone wears a mask (62%)

• Easy access to sanitizing equipment (62%)

• Deep cleaning each evening (57%)

• Properly distanced desks (56%)

• Sanitizing AC system (52%)

• Temperature/symptom checks each morning (50%)

• Weekly COVID-19 testing (44%)

• Vaccines for all workers (34%)