Brick and Beam Forever
If you're like Oxford Properties managing director Andrew McAllan, the study released by Oxford and Environics Research Group throws cold water on the theory that the new generation of workers is more mobile and not as interested in physical office space. "I was most surprised by the low level of work-from-home, driven in part by the desire to collaborate," Andrew tells us. (When you work from home, it's too tempting to watch the Queen Latifah Show, and then half of your day is gone.) According to the study, 79% of Gen Y workers define collaboration as working together in the same space.
Here's Oxford's MNP project, which has surface access to public transit. The report notes a strong desire for reducing commutes. One third of those surveyed said they would be willing to work an extra three hours per week in exchange for a reasonable commute to the office. 50% of respondents said that commute time is the No. 1 factor that would cause them to choose one employer over another. Another highlight: the average respondent works only 1.8 days from home per month. 53% of those surveyed in BC prefer open-concept workplaces (25% private). Overall, the majority of Canadians prefer private offices, but would work in collaborative spaces.
