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What Leaders Say
Is Important Now Steelcase WorkSpace Futures researchers identified
a new set of priorities is gaining traction with business leaders around the world — people and the planet.

Employee wellbeing tops the list and has been considered important for years. Now sustainability, followed closely by diversity, equity and inclusion, have emerged as top issues, signaling a shift in leaders’ perspectives. In 2020 infection control dominated conversations along with greater privacy and while they are still important, a new set of priorities is clearly emerging. Priorities:
People + Planet We asked leaders what workspace
issues they think will be more
important in the next year and new
perspectives are gaining momentum.

While remote work gained traction during the pandemic, sentiments have shifted about the best places for work and most leaders now expect most employees to be in the office three
or more days a week.  Mostly in-office (3+ days per week)  Mostly remote (3+ days per week) Percent of employees expected to be
mostly in-office or mostly remote. Leaders expect mostly in-office work to return to pre-pandemic levels. 100%
50% 0% 2019 2021
2023

 Expected time in office These tensions motivate leaders
to make workplace improvements.
In other countries leaders and employees are more aligned, with many employees exceeding leader expectations.  Actual time in office Employees continue to work in the office less often than leaders expect in Canada, the U.S. and UK. 69% 45% 65% 55% 65% 53%

About the Research Steelcase WorkSpace Futures regularly conducts primary research with global leaders to learn what issues they’re struggling with and what direction they’re taking. Researchers Sarah Johnson and Amy Willard fielded the study in Spring 2023 in 11 countries. The research included leaders from diverse industries, cities and organizational sizes to get a well-rounded view on their perspectives about where work is going.

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