The Top Motivators for Canadians to Work in the Office   

Our survey found that Canadians, especially those currently employed, are open to returning to the office—under the right circumstances. When asked which factors would influence their decision to work in an office, respondents selected three key considerations:

• Ease of commute (42%)
• Comfortable, dynamic workspaces (38%)
• In-person collaboration and socialization (35%) 

Interestingly, nearly one in four respondents also highlighted amenities and activities, such as gyms or game rooms, as influential factors.

The generational divide on workplace motivators is significant. Millennials and Gen Xers are primarily driven by ease of commute, while Gen Zers value free, high-quality beverages and snacks more than their older counterparts. This younger cohort also emphasizes the importance of comfortable, dynamic workspaces and opportunities for in-person socialization. In contrast, Gen Xers are the least swayed by office perks but still prioritize a convenient commute. 

The Impact of Well-Designed Workspaces with Perks

Well-designed workspaces with thoughtful perks remain a powerful draw. 76% of Canadians said that a well-designed environment featuring perks like free snacks and beverages, a central location, and convenient amenities would entice them to go to the office. 

This trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 92% of Gen Zers and 83% of Millennials reporting that these elements would motivate them to return to the office, compared to 69% of Gen Xers. 

The Disconnect Between Employee Preferences and Current Office Spaces 

Our survey also uncovered some troubling statistics about how Canadians view their current workplaces. A striking 43% of respondents admitted they don’t enjoy going to their current office. Even more telling, 40% said they would rather sit in the middle seat for the rest of their life than work at their current office every day. 

This might be because one in three Canadians (34%) indicate that their workplace has not created an encouraging, positive, or enjoyable work environment. Additionally, one in two Canadians (54%) feel their workplace is outdated, and 47% believe their work environment is out of touch with their needs. Gen Zers and Millennials are particularly vocal about this disconnect, with 50% of each group indicating that their workplace fails to meet their expectations. 

While 43% of Canadians prefer a hybrid or fully in-office work model, these findings indicate that there is a clear opportunity for businesses to rethink their office environments to better align with employee desires. 

What Drives Engagement and Productivity in the Workplace? 

When it comes to boosting workplace engagement and productivity, Canadians identified four critical factors: 

1. Having a workspace that provides the right environment to do their best work (92%) 
2. A workspace that matches their work style (85%) 
3. Workspaces customized based on feedback (80%) 
4. Having a best friend at work (58%) 

Of these, the majority (54%) of respondents said that a workspace that provides the right environment is essential to maintaining high engagement and productivity levels. 

Methodology 

This survey was conducted by Maru Public Opinion on behalf of iQ Offices. A total of 859 randomly selected employed Canadian adults participated, with data collected from July 1st to July 2nd, 2024. The survey results were weighted by education, age, gender, and region to reflect the Canadian population, in line with census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%, 19 times out of 20. 

These findings offer actionable insights for employers looking to motivate their teams to return to the office. By prioritizing ease of commute, offering dynamic workspaces, and integrating thoughtful perks, businesses can align their office environments with the evolving needs of their workforce.