To Return or Not to Return to the Office?

By Dennis Hurley

The pandemic forced many businesses to adapt to remote work. Still, as we continue to emerge from it, many companies (including ALTA) face the challenge of returning their employees to the office. This change is leaving many people either excited or frustrated.

Here are 10 Benefits for Companies Returning to the Office:

1. Improved collaboration and communication: In-person collaboration is often more effective than remotely. When you are in the same room as your colleagues, it is easier to have impromptu meetings, share ideas, and get feedback.
2. Stronger company culture: The office is where company culture is built and nurtured. When employees are physically together, they can build relationships, share stories, and create a sense of community. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.
3. Enhanced security: Protecting sensitive company information when employees work from the office can be more accessible. This is because the office is typically a more secure environment than home.
4. Improved productivity: Some studies have shown that employees are more productive when they work from the office. They are less likely to be interrupted or distracted at home.
5. Increased innovation: Employees collaborating face-to-face are more likely to develop innovative ideas and solutions.
6. Better onboarding for new employees: It can be difficult for new employees to get up to speed while working remotely. The office provides a more structured environment where new employees can learn from their colleagues and get their needed support.
7. Improved employee morale: Many employees lack the social interaction and camaraderie of the office. Returning to the office can help improve employee morale and satisfaction.
8. Fixed cost optimization: Companies have invested in fixed-cost assets for infrastructure like office space and should be utilizing them.
9. Reduced turnover: Companies with a strong office culture tend to have lower turnover rates. This is because employees are more likely to want to stay with a company where they feel connected to their colleagues and the company’s mission.
10. Attracting and retaining top talent: Top talent is looking for companies that offer a hybrid or flexible work environment. By returning to the office, companies can show that they are committed to providing a modern workplace that meets the needs of their employees.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each company must find a strategy that works for its employees and culture. After multiple years of mostly remote work, returning to the office is bound to have some bumps in the road.  However, there are some strategies that employers can take to ensure a smoother transition.

Five Strategies for a smoother return to the office:

1. Be transparent and communicate early and often: Let employees know the plan for returning to the office and be clear about the reasons for the decision. Be open to feedback and answer any questions that employees may have. Few people like change and may take some time to adjust.
2. Seek feedback: Ask employees what they think about the transition back to the office and consider their feedback when making decisions. This will help to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for everyone. This does not mean everyone gets a say, but you should know the challenges.
3. Create a flexible plan: Not everyone will be ready to return to the office simultaneously. Some employees may still prefer to work remotely full-time, while others want to come a few days a week or daily. Offer a flexible plan, allowing employees to choose the best arrangement for them within reason. Communicating early and often can help with this.
4. Encourage collaboration: Create opportunities for employees to collaborate in the office and remotely. Plan activities and events that will help employees connect. This could include lunch and learning, happy hours, or team-building exercises.
5. Invest in technology: Ensure the office’s technology infrastructure is current and employees have the tools to work effectively. Many companies with flexible office hours have moved from dedicated workspaces to more of a hotel model.  The more accessible employees can “plug and play” with the proper equipment, the better.

Bringing workers back into the office is a complex challenge, but it is one that businesses need to address. By understanding the challenges and taking steps to overcome them, companies can create a smooth and successful transition back to the office.

While work may never look like it did before March 2020 with most employees in the office five days per week, the trend is certainly moving away from fully remote as well. As we see, companies have many reasons for returning to the office to some degree.  It should be a win-win for everyone as long as organizations try to make the transition smooth.