With over a third of UK workers on the brink of burnout, new research* reveals nearly half (49%) of millennials want regular naps during their office day as office occupancy reaches its highest level since the start of the pandemic.

In the study of 1,500 office workers conducted last month, results also revealed that one in 5 millennials want to bring their pets into the office. With many getting used to spending time with their furry friends and playing with them at least twice during the working day, they’re now struggling to part ways.

What’s more, 29% are drawn to the idea of an on-site gym and 23% would welcome a rooftop bar to gather on for post-work drinks, suggesting that when looking to return to the office, people are looking for a purpose-driven space and a value alignment between their personal lives and work.

Co-founder and COO of Kitt, Lucy Minton, says “The pandemic has completely transformed what we expect from work, particularly for millennials, and those on the entry end of the job market. With the line between home and the office becoming harder to distinguish, people are looking for a company that provides them with a space that reflects the new ways of working and replicates the various luxuries of their home. To stay ahead of the curve, companies need to think creatively about fun and meaningful office benefits.”

The Kitt survey also revealed intriguing differences across levels of seniority in what people want and need right now. While entry-level employees are focusing on the social perks, senior members are more concerned with making their office more Zen – with (26%) seeking meditation areas and in-house therapists (18%). What’s more, while 39% of entry-level staff think casual clothing in the office is a must-have, directors think it’s an absolute no go, with only a quarter (26%) agreeing that it should be allowed.

“Many people have used the pandemic to re-evaluate their priorities and when it comes to the office, the ‘where’ is less important than the ‘why’. We are no longer looking for a space to work from, but for a hub that encourages meaningful connections and helps us reconnect after two years apart. This is the real reason teams will return to the office – so that they can laugh, make real eye contact and enjoy each other’s presence – because as humans, we are wired for human connection.”

Research from Kitt*