A survey by Cisco Canada reveals a significant portion of Canadian employees, 64%, endorse their company’s mandate to return to the office, driven by a longing for collaboration, ideation, and a stronger sense of community.
Despite this support, findings from Cisco’s Reimagining Workspaces Survey indicate that the majority of current office setups may not align with this shift in employee expectations.
With 76% of Canadian organizations implementing either a full or partial office return policy, the motives behind this move include enhanced productivity, improved team communication, and a richer workplace culture. However, employees signal that most office environments, where 83% of the space is devoted to individual workstations, are not fully equipped to cater to the evolving demands of hybrid work arrangements.
Only 40% of surveyed employees believe their workplaces are adequately prepared to support the new hybrid working models. “To attract and retain talent, companies must strategically invest in office spaces, making them more appealing by integrating advanced, AI-powered technology and ensuring seamless connectivity,” Shannon Leininger, President of Cisco Canada, advises.
The survey also highlights a growing expectation for technology and AI features in the office. A staggering 93% of employees underscored the importance of technological infrastructure and connectivity, while 86% emphasized the need for spaces designed for collaboration and meetings. However, there is a noticeable gap between employee desires and employer investments, particularly in AI-enabled devices and tools which are seen as essential for enhancing work experiences.
The data further suggests that flexibility and hybrid work models are likely to remain, with preferences for work location (home, office, or a hybrid of both) nearly evenly split among employees and employers alike. This shift calls for a reevaluation of office designs, with 64% of employers either having already revamped their workspaces post-pandemic or planning to do so within the next two years.
Despite the proactive steps toward redesigning office spaces, investments in AI and cybersecurity are not being prioritized adequately. Only 21% of employers have AI technology on their office redesign agendas, and a mere 18% are setting aside budgets for cybersecurity. This shortfall poses a significant risk and underscores the importance of focusing on both AI integration and cybersecurity to ensure the future-proofing of businesses.
As the Canadian workforce navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the necessity for workplaces that support hybrid models, prioritize technology, and ensure security is becoming increasingly clear. Employers and employees alike are seeking environments that foster collaboration, innovation, and safety, setting new standards for the future of work.