Back-to-the-Office Slowdown: Korn Ferry Survey Finds Professionals Will Work Less When They Return

Los Angeles, April 12, 2022 - Going back to the office means a break from extra-long workdays, according to a new Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) survey.

More than three-quarters (79%) of the professionals surveyed say they will work fewer hours when they return to the office than they currently do while working from home. Virtually all (97%) say when they work from home, they continue to work during the time that would have been reserved for commuting.

Half of the respondents say their employers have already announced mandatory return to the office plans, and the vast majority (88%) say that they will coordinate with teammates on which days they'll go into the office to enhance collaborations opportunities.

"It doesn't make sense for most professionals to make it into the office and then sit in a cube on video calls all day," said Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner Kristi Drew. "We've seen many clients either formerly or informally create 'collaboration days' where they bring teams together and schedule meetings during set periods of the week."

And when professionals do go into the office, attire will be more laid back, as 82% say they will dress more casually now than they did pre-pandemic. Professionals also think that the five-day workweek structure should be challenged, with 76% saying they would prefer a shift to non-traditional hours, such as four-day, 10-hour workweeks.

"The pandemic has shown employers that teams can be productive and effective on their own terms - work will get done when employees are given the latitude to work in an environment that works best for them," said Drew.

About the Survey: The Korn Ferry survey of professionals was conducted in late March 2022

Survey Results:

If you are planning on a hybrid home/office approach, will you coordinate with your teammates on which days you'll go in to enhance collaboration opportunities?

Yes 88%

No 12%

Do you think you'll work more hours or fewer hours when you return to the office?

More hours 21%

Fewer hours 79%

When working from home, do you continue to work during the time that was traditionally used for commuting?

Yes 97%

No 3%

Would you prefer a shift to non-traditional work hours, such as a 10-hour, 4-day workweek?

Yes 76%

No 24%

Do you expect you will dress more casually than pre-pandemic when you return to the office?

Dress more casually now 82%

Dress less casually now 18%

Has your employer announced plans for mandatory return to the office?

Yes 50%

No 50%

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

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