Workers are prioritizing flexibility in their jobs and are willing to walk away from positions that do not meet their expectations. As companies push for employees to return to the office, a new behavior called “coffee badging” has emerged, where employees go into the office briefly to show their presence and then leave. This trend is more prevalent than expected, with a significant percentage of hybrid employees in the UK and the US admitting to coffee badging. Employees express resistance to office work, viewing it as a result of traditional work expectations and an unnecessary expense. To encourage employees to return, employers need to create attractive and stress-free office environments, offer incentives such as covering commuting and parking costs, and provide flexibility in hybrid work arrangements.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workers prioritize flexibility | From rigid work schedules | More emphasis on flexible work options | Desire for work-life balance and greater autonomy |
| Rise of “coffee badging” behavior | In office attendance | More employees working remotely | Resistance to in-office mandates and traditional work norms |
| Resistance to return-to-office | Flexibility in work setup | Increased remote and hybrid work | Perception of office work as less productive and costly |
| Desire for attractive office spaces | Office environment | Offices designed for productivity | Need for an appealing and stress-free office environment |
| Preferences for employer incentives | Employee retention | Employers offering commuting/parking reimbursement and perks | Desire for financial support and work-related benefits |