Poll | The idea of ​​returning to the office is gaining ground

Is it the effect of spring? Still, the proportion of workers ready to return to the office is increasing, according to the latest sounding carried out at the request of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM).

Andre Dubuc
The Press

A large majority (68%) of workers already frequent their offices, either full-time or part-time. Nearly one in three workers even plans to return there five days a week.

The proportion of workers in the office is higher than in November 2021. At the time, it was 61% of people who had returned to the office.

This is the 4^and edition of the Léger survey, conducted as part of the campaign I like working downtown. The first took place in June 2021. The other two occurred in August and then in November of the same year. Just over 700 people, managers and employees, whose workplace is on the island of Montreal were interviewed. The interviews were conducted from March 15 to 18.

60% of those who have already returned to the office are satisfied with the experience, down from the figure for the same question in November.

Expenses of more than $100 per week per worker

When asked about the downtown services that workers intend to use the most as soon as they return to work, restaurants at lunchtime (73%), coffee in the morning (50%), shops (46%) and “5 à 7” (45%) is the most popular. “They also anticipate spending up to $106 per week on average,” reads the document summarizing the highlights of the survey.

Among the aspects of the survey that are less favorable to the return of life to the city center, we note that potential users of public transit remain fearful in a proportion of 29%, a declining figure, but which remains high.

Telework, for its part, remains popular, even if it is less practiced. Four out of five workers say they are satisfied with their telework experience. It allows, among other things, a better balance between work and family.

“However, notes the study, teleworking brings its share of challenges for both workers and managers, first and foremost the loss of team spirit, which is mentioned by 34% of workers and 47% of managers. Bosses further complain about the loss of employee “commitment” and lack of collaboration.