Forrester: Only 30% Of Companies Will Embrace A Full Return-To-Office Model Post-Pandemic

Rhea-AI Summary

Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) forecasts that 70% of US and European companies will adopt a hybrid work model post-pandemic. Research indicates that 55% of US employees desire more remote work opportunities. Notably, 47% of US and 54% of European workers believe vaccines won't fully prevent COVID-19 spread. Companies are encouraged to measure their readiness for hybrid work using Forrester's readiness calculator, which assesses employee remote capabilities, collaboration technologies, and security. Emphasizing employee wellness, Forrester highlights that organizations must prioritize environments that cater to employees' needs.

Positive

• 70% of companies leaning towards hybrid work model post-pandemic.
• Forrester's readiness calculator helps companies assess remote work capabilities.
• Focus on employee wellness may enhance retention and recruitment.

Negative

• 47% of US and 54% of European workers skeptical about vaccine effectiveness.
• Only 39% of US workers believe employers have vaccination plans.
• Concerns about personal data collection related to the pandemic among two-thirds of workers.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- While many business leaders are drawn to vaccine passports as a solution to bring their workforces back to the office full-time, Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) predicts that 70% of US and European companies will pivot to a hybrid work model post-pandemic. In a hybrid model setup, at least some employees can work anywhere they want for two or more days a week while coming into the office on the remaining workdays. Forrester's research shows that companies that master this opportunity will accrue both employee experience and business benefits, including higher retention rates and long-term recruitment advantages.

According to Forrester, 55% of US employees say they hope to work from home more often, even after the pandemic ends. Additionally, leaders need to consider overall employee sentiment toward vaccination when planning return-to-office strategies. According to data:

• 47% of US workers and 54% of European workers believe vaccines will not completely stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
• Only 39% of US workers and 34% of European workers feel that their employers have a plan in place to provide vaccination.
• Two-thirds of workers in both regions are not comfortable with employers collecting their personal data specific to the pandemic.

While some C-level executives view anywhere-work with skepticism, this model is now imperative for higher-value talent. To successfully implement this model, however, companies must assess specific anywhere-work readiness elements to determine preparedness. They must also consider refreshing their office spaces, including reconceptualizing desk usage to support hybrid work. Forrester's anywhere-work readiness calculator will help companies pursue the benefits of anywhere-work and design an action plan based on their readiness. The calculator assesses several company factors, including the percentage of employees who can potentially work remotely and how technologies stack up in terms of collaboration and security. The calculator will help firms invest in and provide technological, cultural, and leadership resources to support work from any location.

"The pandemic has taught us that organizations play a bigger role in employee wellness than previously understood," said Keith Johnston, VP and group research director at Forrester. "It also reveals how the future of work will be driven by employees having the ability to work anywhere. By shifting conversations to focus on the working environments that best suit employees' needs moving forward, organizations can ensure that their employees feel they are being heard and that they have the autonomy and tools to do their jobs effectively."

Resources:

• Learn how leaders can calculate their anywhere-work readiness and plan strategy accordingly.
• Download the Forrester report "The Anywhere-Work Guide To Employee Vaccination" (client access required).
• Download the Forrester report "Hot Desks Or Ice-Cold Employee Experiences" (client access required).
• Download the Forrester report "Don't Miss Your Anywhere-Work Opportunity" (client access required).
• To access Forrester's anywhere-work readiness calculator, visit here.

About Forrester

Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We help leaders across technology, marketing, customer experience, product, and sales functions use customer obsession to accelerate growth. Through Forrester's proprietary research, consulting, and events, leaders from around the globe are empowered to be bold at work — to navigate change and put their customers at the center of their leadership, strategy, and operations. Our unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 675,000 consumers, business leaders, and technology leaders worldwide; rigorous and objective research methodologies, including Forrester Wave™ evaluations; over 52 million real-time feedback votes; and the shared wisdom of our clients. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.

Media Contact:

Ira Kantor
Public Relations
Forrester Research, Inc.
ikantor@forrester.com  

 

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SOURCE Forrester

FAQ

What does Forrester predict for the future of work in 2021?

Forrester predicts that 70% of US and European companies will implement a hybrid work model post-pandemic.

What percentage of US employees want to work from home more often?

55% of US employees want to work from home more frequently, even after the pandemic.

What is Forrester's anywhere-work readiness calculator?

Forrester's readiness calculator evaluates a company's ability to implement hybrid work by assessing remote work capacity and technology infrastructure.

What do employees think about employer vaccination plans?

Only 39% of US employees feel that their employers have a vaccination plan in place.

What concerns do employees have regarding personal data collection during the pandemic?

Two-thirds of employees in both the US and Europe are uncomfortable with employers collecting their personal data related to the pandemic.