90% Of employees want greater ownership and choice at work: Cisco report

Working conditions have changed drastically ever since people from across the globe started working from home. Now, a new report suggests that employees want greater ownership and choice at work as they get accustomed to working from home.

Cisco recently conducted the Workforce of the Future survey, which included more than 14,000 respondents across 14 markets in the Asia Pacific, including over 1,000 respondents from India. In its report, Cisco said that employees see the present times as a watershed moment, challenging cultural norms around the workplace.

The survey showed that nearly 73% of employees want to keep hold of faster decision-making. The report says that even though only 21% of those surveyed worked from home most of the time before the lockdown, now an overwhelming majority hope to keep this increased autonomy. Additionally, 90% of employees want greater ownership in defining how and when they use office space - blending between being office-based and working remotely.

Reflecting on the last six months, almost three quarters, which is roughly 74%, now have a greater appreciation of the benefits and challenges of working from home. Positive changes were afoot, as nearly 58% of leaders showed increased trust in their teams to do their jobs well. Additionally, employees were able to better balance life around work, with nearly 72% of employees incorporating more exercise into their daily routine. In addition to that, over 68% of employees want to continue traveling less and use that time more productively.

For this to happen, nearly 82% of employees believe businesses need to provide the workforce with similar technology at home as in the office. In fact, 73% of employees agree that one of the big positives to come from lockdown is proof that employees don't need to be in the same room to collaborate effectively.

The survey also showed that employees believe 2021 budget priorities for their business should be investing in the technologies needed for remote work, bringing in technology to make the office a safer space from a health perspective, and improving cybersecurity.

Lastly, the survey showed that employees of all ages are also calling for upskilling and nearly 84% think more training on technology and digital skills will be fundamental to business success in 2021.