According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2023 study, 98% of the 3,000 respondents would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers. Also, a 2024 HubSpot survey found that 38% of the 700+ respondents preferred a hybrid work model. However, 58% would not consider leaving their job if their company made them exclusively return to the office.
Reasons Why Some Employers Are Implementing Return-to-Office Mandates
Many employers are asking employees to return to the office for the following reasons:
Availability of office space
Employers who maintained office space during the coronavirus pandemic would like the area filled. According to a Resume Builder report:
- 90% of respondents with office space will have returned to the office by the end of 2024
- 83% of companies that have returned to the office track employee attendance
- 72% of respondents say the return to office mandate has improved revenue
- 70% of companies with plans to return to the office in 2024 will track employee attendance
Opportunities for collaboration
Employers’ main issue with remote employees is the disconnected systems. Similarly, HubSpot’s 2022 Hybrid Work Report found that 40% of remote workers miss spontaneous, in-person connections with colleagues. As a result, many employers are requiring employees to return to the office to strengthen collaboration, team-building, and company culture.
Potential Impact of a Return-to-Office Mandate
Most companies with employees who returned to the office report improvements in productivity, retention, and revenue. However, many employees have concerns about returning to the office:
- Many companies that created policies to accommodate work flexibility are changing them.
- Most employees who accepted jobs with the expectation of working remotely feel the company should honor the agreement.
- If an employee can effectively complete their work from home, they might not see a reason to return to the office.
- Although some employees feel more productive at the office, others feel more productive at home.
- Asking employees to return to the office requires additional time and money to commute.
Tips to Implement a Return-to-Office Mandate
Use these tips if you decide to implement a return-to-office mandate:
- Transparently explain the return-to-office mandate. Communicate the goals and benefits. Also, show how employees will be supported during the transition.
- Remain patient and empathetic as employees return to the office. Consider setting guidelines based on the needs of individual teams and employees.
- Encourage work-life integration. Consider offering flexible office and home hours on light meeting weeks, a weekly meeting-free day, and additional vacation days for summer or winter holiday activities.
- Consider implementing a hybrid work model. Employees can divide their time working in the office and remotely.
Are You Unsure About Having Employees Return to the Office?
Corps Team can help you find the right balance to ensure you attract and retain top talent who align with their work culture preferences. Contact us to learn more today.
