Lincoln Property’s Report Reveals Majority of U.S. Employees Prefer In-Office Work

Lincoln Property Company, a global full-service real estate firm, has released its first annual Office Views: What Employees Value Most report. The report reveals a surprising trend: a majority of U.S. employees prefer to work in the office rather than remotely. Over half of the surveyed U.S. employees expressed interest in working in-office four to five days a week, with less than 20% preferring fully remote work.

1. Employee Preferences for In-Office Work:
   • In-Office Work Preference:
     • More than 50% of U.S. employees prefer working in-office four to five days a week.
     • Less than 20% are interested in fully remote work.
   • Survey Insights:
     • The survey of 1,000 U.S. workers provides valuable insights into employees’ work preferences, highlighting the generational differences in valuing modern workplace amenities versus traditional work motivators.
2. Corporate Implications:
   • Office Environment Design:
     • Rob Kane, Senior Executive Vice President at Lincoln, emphasizes the need for corporate occupiers to rethink office investments to align with what employees truly value.
     • Investing in functional workspaces over upscale amenities may better support employee engagement and retention.
3. Workplace Amenities vs. Traditional Motivators:
   • Generational Preferences:
     • While Gen Z values work/play amenities, traditional motivators like dedicated/private workspaces, increased compensation, and shorter commutes rank highest across all generations.
   • Key Findings:
     • Employees across demographics prefer dedicated workspaces, indicating a desire for productivity, efficiency, and a sense of belonging.
4. Career Stage Influences on Work Preferences:
   • Career Stage Over Generational Identity:
     • Mid-level professionals (Millennials and Generation X) show a stronger preference for in-office work, while Baby Boomers prefer remote work.
     • Early-stage career employees (Gen Z) favor a hybrid environment to build professional and social connections.
   • Work Preference Trends:
     • Baby Boomers represent the highest percentage of fully remote workers and express the strongest desire for full-time remote work.
5. Commute Time as a Critical Factor:
   • Impact of Commute on Office Return:
     • 73% of respondents would not consider going into the office if their commute exceeded 45 minutes roundtrip.
     • Baby Boomers are particularly averse to long commutes, with 60% citing it as the most important location feature.
   • Location Strategy:
     • Lincoln emphasizes the importance of location and commute times in office space evaluations, advising clients to consider proximity to transportation options to meet workforce needs.

Lincoln’s Office Views: What Employees Value Most report offers critical insights into employee preferences in the post-pandemic work landscape. The findings challenge common assumptions about remote work, highlighting the importance of listening to employees and aligning office investments with their true needs and preferences.