New research conducted by LinkedIn, reveals a shift in workers’ attitudes toward going to the office. While they used to feel obliged to physically be in the office, 78% of Indian professionals say they now do it by choice. Workers are generally more receptive to working in the office, with 86% of Indians saying they feel positive about it compared to a year ago.
Another trend being embraced in the office is that of desk-bombing*. Research reveals that most workers like it when a co-worker shows up unannounced at their desk to have a chat. 62% of respondents in India see desk bombing as a great way to have impromptu conversations. The majority of GenZ workers in India (60%) have experienced desk bombing and find it useful.
Office time and its impact on career
Hybrid work has raised some questions on whether lack of time in the office and reduced visibility will have an impact on one’s career. LinkedIn research revealed that 63% of Indians feel working remotely has no harmful impact on their careers, however, a similar proportion also believes their chances of career growth could be reduced if they didn’t go to the office as much. This could be a potential reason why 71% of Indians agree that they feel they have to overcompensate when working from home to show that they are serious about work.
Loud Leaving is helping build a better work-life balance
Workers are structuring their work week differently and it has altered their last day in the office. An overwhelming 79% of Indians say Thursday is the new Friday which may stem from the fact that Friday is the least popular day for workers to go into the office. Of those Indians who say that Thursday feels like the new Friday, 50% would spend more time with family and friends on Fridays, while 46% would try to focus on finishing the week’s work quickly on Fridays and hop into an early weekend.
Social interactions matter at work
Workers are choosing to head into the office to socialize, bond, and be part of a team. When asked why they would show up at the office, the number one reason for Indian respondents was social interactions (43%), followed by having more efficient face-to-face meetings with co-workers (42%) and building work relationships (41%) at a close second and third.
In India, 72% of workers surveyed said they miss chai break bonding in the workplace – where they could exchange banter with their colleagues about both their work and personal lives and have a laugh.
Community Manager.