2021 Global Workplace Report

Conflicting stakeholder views on the future of work point to gaps in detail, tools and enablement

This year’s data reveals some significant differences in perspective within and outside organizations. Contrasting views of leaders, managers and employees all point to significant gaps in understanding what the future of work should look like – and how to enable it.

Nearly three in four chief executive officers (CEOs) say that strategies to modernize and digitally optimize their future workplaces are defined and agreed, yet less than half of the operational leaders surveyed say this is the case.

90.6% of organizations recognize the value of EX to their strategy, or as a crucial strategic differentiator, but just 25.0% fully agree that the value of EX is understood and embraced across the enterprise.

62.9% of chief human resources officers (CHROs) say employee wellbeing levels have deteriorated since the start of the pandemic; only one-third (33.1%) say improving wellbeing is a key factor driving change in the organization’s workplace strategy.

The pandemic undoubtedly changed the way we work and how we think about work as part of our broader human experience. Employees want to be recognized and valued as individuals, not just as resources. They’re prioritizing their wellbeing and worklife balance, and they expect their employers to do the same.

The reality is that talent is in demand and, thanks to rapid digitization, people now have more options when it comes to determining where, how and for whom they wish to work. Organizations that don’t respond to these changing priorities by offering greater levels of employee choice and flexibility could well see a negative impact on turnover and productivity.

The research shows that environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are also receiving significant attention in building brand equity with stakeholders – employees and customers included. Diversity and inclusion is playing a bigger role in workplace strategies, while sustainability is a key boardroom consideration and an important component in the design and reshaping of physical workspaces.