Duty to return to the office makes it difficult for German employers to recruit employees

Over one-third of employers (34%) have trouble hiring employees because they are required to come into the office. Existing employees change jobs due to a lack of work-life balance.

According to a new study by Unispace, companies in Germany have difficulty hiring new employees because they are discouraged due to the obligation to return to the office. At the same time, existing employees are changing jobs due to a poor work-life balance and an unbalanced corporate culture. The "Returning for Good" study is based on a comprehensive survey of 9,500 employees and 6,650 managers from 17 countries worldwide. It shows that 43% of German workers currently spend four days a week in the office, although only 22% actually prefer to do so.

While German companies would like their employees to go into the office more regularly, our findings show that they need to offer more to actively encourage them to return.

Matthew Zych, Regional Director Central Europe Unispace

The study found that 86% of German companies have introduced various return to office policies. As a result, 34% of employers are having difficulty hiring new employees. One report shows that these hiring difficulties are exacerbated by turnover rates. In the last two years, 25% of employees have left their jobs due to an unsustainable work-life balance, while another 25% have quit due to workplace culture issues.

Despite the impact of these rules on the workforce, 80% of employers expect employees to work at least four days a week in the office in the future. In fact, 41% of employers believe this will be the case by 2025.

Socializing with colleagues was cited as the top reason for going to the office (33%), but workers also report that they are more likely to be distracted in the office

Matthew Zych, Regional Director Central Europe Unispace

Another drawback is a lack of privacy and difficulty accessing concentration areas. More than a third of respondents (36%) said they feel more effective outside the office in a quiet space. On the other hand, 35% of workers lack the privacy they have at home. These issues affect productivity at work, as 52% of German workers say they find it difficult to effectively complete their main tasks at the office.

The " Returning for Good" study was conducted by Unispace Global Workplace Insights. Unispace is a strategy, design and construction company that operates globally. The firm provides solutions for the design of specific-purpose spaces such as offices, laboratories, life sciences facilities, campuses, headquarters, hospitality and sports venues, and retail spaces. With over 5,500 completed projects, a presence in 26 countries, and more than 700 employees, Unispace has demonstrated that they work closely and successfully with their clients.

The results of the study bring fresh input to the ongoing discussion about new work and work-life balance. Taking into account the current situation in the office real estate market, it will be interesting to see how future work realities develop.