Together with MassPredict, 438 Dutch white collar workers were recruited using Dynata’s Dutch survey panel in December 2020, and asked questions regarding the future of offices in Holland.
When the work from home restrictions have been lifted, a majority of the white collar worker we interview would like to work remotely at least 2 days a week. Here are some of their comments:
- “I’m working from home 1 out 5 days, my husband is working from home full-time. To save time and be better on climate issues I think our country should make working from home at least twice a week the rule."
- “People want to be able to meet at work still, but also like the flexibility of working from home. I think 2 out of 5 (or 4) workdays will be most popular as a medium option.”
- “A lot of folks were working from home at least once a day before the lockdown. Once the lockdown restrictions have been lifted I believe that the majority who can work from home want to work more from home.”
- “I like to combine the office and home because both of them have advantages. At home I work faster, at the office I can get in touch with colleagues faster.”
- “I work 4 days a week, with two of them at the office, there is enough time to meet my colleagues. The other two days I can work efficiently from home.”
- “This amount [2 days per week] makes it possible to plan meeting that work better in real life than online. Also this amount makes the work-life more balanced.”
When looking for a job, we found out that pay is the most important to the average white-collar worker in Holland.
- “We live in an economy based society. You have to earn enough to get along. Other factors just aren't important enough.”
- “I personally like to work from an office and not from home (only when necessary). At the end of the day the pay check we receive is the most important factor why we work.”
- “The money I earn is very important, but on the other hand I find it very important that I can develop myself and get better in what I do and learn new things.”
- “All other items are important, but by the end of the day people need to pay their bills and in this economy a lot of people had problems in this area.”
- “Because my whole life is based on what I earn every month. Without an income I don't know how much I can spend on things (house, food, etc.).”
- “If the pay isn't good most people won't consider the job, flexibility in work location is secondary to being able to pay your bills.”
Finally, we reached out to the average Dutch office worker and found out that 37% of them would be willing to leave their job if they consider their workplace not to be COVID-safe.
- “50% chance, every person is different, one person is very afraid of the virus and will therefore resign faster if it is not corona safe for them. The other person is not anxious but keeps to the rules and does their best to keep it as good and safe as possible at work.”
- “If they have other options I think people will choose to work elsewhere. But changing jobs during a pandemic is difficult already, and there's not a lot of places hiring. Plus you might have to leave a permanent contact for a temporary contact, which isn't optional for benefits.”
- “Some people think if they catch Covid they won't get too sick so they are not really afraid. On the other side finding another job during the pandemic might be difficult thus someone would decide to stay even though their workplace is not Covid safe.”
- “I think the chance of being infected in the office is fairly small, you can control this yourself and you can also correct your colleagues. This is a bit easier than correcting strangers in a shopping street.”
- "I can't afford to leave my job without already having a new job. I can increase personal safety with wearing face-mask also while sitting down, and choosing another safer - workplace for a part of the time.”