What Is The New Trend 'Office Peacocking' At Workplace?

Amidst the prolonged work-from-home scenario resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a noticeable reluctance among employees to transition back to the traditional workplace.

This reluctance has sparked a trend known as 'office peacocking', which involves enhancing the workplace environment with stylish decor, trendy furnishings, and various amenities to make returning employees feel comfortable. This transformation aims to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere resembling lounge settings rather than conventional office spaces, as reported by First Post.

While the allure of an attractive workspace appeals to many, recent graduates, according to Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, emphasise factors such as commuting convenience and personal space as top priorities for returning to the office. This includes demands for companies to cover commuting expenses and provide more private workspaces, as well as the ability to schedule encounters with desired colleagues, as highlighted in Owl Labs' 2023 State of Hybrid Work report.

Despite some employees embracing the return-to-office policies, there's a growing cohort advocating for a more hybrid and flexible work culture in the long term. Notably, data from Owl Labs indicates that a significant portion of employees are willing to make sacrifices, such as accepting pay cuts or seeking new job opportunities, to maintain remote work arrangements. Additionally, a substantial number of workers express intentions to explore new job opportunities if mandated to return to the office.

While some individuals have the option to seek alternative employment, others find themselves navigating the challenges of returning to the office while seeking ways to avoid the artificial trappings associated with office peacocking.