Methodology
This survey was fielded by G&S Business Communications on behalf of Schindler Elevator Corporation. The online survey took place on July 23, 2021 with a representative U.S. sample of 1,142 respondents.
Key Findings

• Americans returning to a physical office space continue to prioritize hygiene and safety beyond the pandemic.
  • When asked whether they prefer a high-tech workplace, a sustainable workplace, a workplace with modern design or a safe and hygienic workplace, over half of Americans (53%) said a safe and hygienic workplace is most important.

• Many Americans who will be going back to an office or other physical work location believe the impact of the COVID-19 on their behaviors will carry on beyond the pandemic.
  • More than half say they will continue to have increased awareness of proximity to other people (55%).
  • More than half say they have an increased awareness of surfaces they touch (54%).
  • More than half say they have increased personal hygiene practices (52%).
    • Most of the members of this group say hand sanitizer stations (64%), touchless technology (52%) and advanced air cleaning technology (52%) will be must-haves in the workplace.

• Today’s workplaces are not satisfying workers’ needs and preferences.
  • Sixty-seven percent of respondents say hygiene features in the physical workplace are extremely or very important.
    • Only a quarter are very satisfied (25%) with current hygiene features.
  • Over half (54%) say sustainable features at their physical workplace are extremely or very important
    • Only 16% are very satisfied with how well their physical work location has incorporated environmentally sustainable features.
  • Sixty-six percent say it is extremely or very important that the physical work location is accessible to all employees
    • Only 30% are very satisfied with the current level of accessibility at their work location.

• Americans face many challenges in the physical workspace, from psychological to physical.
  • Nearly half of respondents (47%) say they face challenges avoiding distractions in the workplace.
  • Over a third (34%) face challenges with negative health effects (e.g., air quality, allergies).
  • Nearly a quarter (24%) have difficulty getting around the office.

• The ideal workspace is large and open, with plenty of private offices.

• Aspects of nature, such as outdoor space, proximity to waterways, natural light and plants are highly desirable in the workplace of the future.