There is momentum gathering for a return to the office five days a week, particularly amongst larger organisations who are moving away from offering a fully remote option. Well known companies including Amazon, Santander and Dell amongst others have made a return to the office compulsory. Similarly, Manchester United has implemented the same initiative and made headlines for the wrong reasons by cutting employees’ Christmas bonuses. The argument for the move back to the office seems to be getting employees back face to face and bouncing ideas off each other in meetings in person.
Once the benefit of home working has been offered and implemented, it is extremely difficult to take it away. In what is a highly competitive labour market, smaller organisations who may be less competitive in terms of pay are leaning into offering the benefit of working remotely. Covid-19 highlighted to people the importance of looking after their wellbeing and showed that on the whole, remote working worked for both employees who had a better work life balance and employers who saw productivity increase.
In a recent poll, 65% of workers said they would prefer to work remotely indefinitely. Most cite the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance provided by remote work. Getting workers to return to in-person work requires a delicate strategy that considers the unique needs of both the workforce and the business. Return-to-office mandates, ultimatums, and a big push from employers to enforce a full return will undoubtedly cause some talented workers to quit and look for a job that provides better flexibility. Instead, companies need to examine ways to find a compromise. By addressing the factors that led workers to prefer working remotely and making strategic changes to the physical space and company culture in the office environment, employers can create a balance that appeals to employees while ensuring organisational productivity and strength.
Our specialist HR Advisory team works alongside clients to develop workplace strategies that are of benefit to all. To discuss your own circumstances, please get in touch with HR Consultant Brian Lenehan E: brianlenehan@bakertillymm.co.uk T: 028 9032 3466.