Press Release
Businesses report the majority of downtown Seattle employees are in the office 3+ days per week
Return-to-office survey results and playbook released
SEATTLE – The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce released member survey results that provide insights into the implementation of remote, hybrid, and in-person work, levels of in-office activity, and outcomes of return-to-office policies. The survey was conducted online in April 2023 and included 221 opt-in respondents from among the Chamber’s members.
By far, a hybrid work model is the most popular option among employers, the survey found. Most companies reported some level of welcoming their employees back to the office to facilitate more in-person work and are seeing employees in the office three or more days per week.
“There were two things we knew going into this survey: first, that many employers continue to embrace flexibility as a benefit for their employees, and second, that people being together – in person – can be an essential element of collaboration, innovation, and vibrancy,” said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “What we learned from the survey is that employees are doing in-office work more than many have assumed, twice as many employers report positive outcomes to negative ones, and in-person team building is the most common incentive employers are offering. We hope that releasing this data, as well as sharing out a playbook and best practices, will help more employers understand the steps that peer businesses are taking, as well as help them strike the right balance for themselves, their employees and customers, and our communities as it relates to remote, hybrid and in-person work.”
Results of the opt-in Chamber member survey indicated:
- 91% of downtown Seattle employers who indicated remote work was an option have employees coming into the office.
- 62% of downtown Seattle employers report employees coming into the office three or more days per week.
- Businesses reported greater in-office activity than the number of days they require employees in the office.
- Nearly twice as many employers report positive outcomes as negative ones, including a decreased quit rate, decreased absenteeism, and decreased complaints to human resources.
- One in three businesses downtown indicated they are offering incentives for employees to return to the office, and the most popular incentives relate to in-person team building.
- Only 4% of downtown Seattle companies that require three days or more in the office reported a negative reaction from employees.
Small- and medium-sized businesses are more likely to have in-person-only work (even when virtual work is possible) than large businesses.
In recent months, Challenge Seattle collaborated with employers across the region to collect learnings and best practices from companies and nonprofits that have already brought employees back to some in-person work. The Chamber partnered with Challenge Seattle and the Downtown Seattle Association to release a playbook of examples. Today, Challenge Seattle is sharing those resources in the Return to Office: Best Practices Playbook for a Flexible Hybrid Approach.
“With 91% of businesses either hybrid or fully in-person, key best practices are emerging to ensure employees, managers, and companies in our region can thrive. While every organization has a unique culture, business model, and workforce, we can learn from leaders who are creating flexibility while making in-office work intentional, meaningful, and equitable,” said Challenge Seattle CEO and former Washington State Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The Chamber and Challenge Seattle will team up for a webinar at 11 a.m. on June 14 to discuss the playbook and take questions about successfully implementing a flexible hybrid policy.
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.
About Challenge Seattle
Challenge Seattle is an alliance of CEOs from 22 of the region’s largest employers. Together, we are taking on the challenge of ensuring the greater Seattle area continues to thrive as one of the most vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive regions in the world.
First launched in 2015, Challenge Seattle’s CEO members initially made a five-year investment to collectively tackle some of the region’s most pressing civic challenges. In 2020, our members renewed that commitment for another five years. Led by former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, Challenge Seattle harnesses the committed leadership, unique resources, and world-class talent of its member companies to find innovative solutions and inspire collective action for the greater good.
Media contact: Jillian Henze, APR
Cell: 425-785-6731
jillianh@www.seattlechamber.com
