Considerations and Steps for Employees Returning to the Office

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, many companies are faced with whether to adopt a hybrid office policy or a return to office policy. It can be easier to decide with a clear consensus on the best approach. However, research can provide valuable insights.

According to Deloitte's 2021 Global Human Capital Trends report, 80% of employees surveyed preferred a hybrid work arrangement, while only 14% preferred a fully remote work model. On the other hand, a recent study by the Sloan School of Management at MIT found that remote work increased productivity and led to a decline in creativity and innovation.

One approach that has gained popularity among companies is the hybrid office policy. This model allows employees to split their time between working from home and in the office. This policy has been shown to increase employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. For example, a study by Bersin, Deloitte Consulting LLP found that companies with highly engaged employees have 21% higher profitability than those with low engagement levels.

However, implementing a hybrid office policy requires careful planning and execution. Companies must ensure employees have the tools and technology to work remotely and clearly understand expectations and goals. Additionally, leaders must foster a strong sense of community and culture, as remote workers may feel disconnected from the company.

A return-to-office policy may be the best option for some companies. This model allows for a more collaborative and social work environment and can help boost morale and creativity. However, ensuring the office environment is safe and meets health guidelines is essential. According to Gartner's 2021 HR Leadership Survey, safety and well-being were the top priorities for HR leaders in the post-pandemic workplace.

Key Considerations for Bring Employees Back to the Office

As the world emerges from the pandemic, companies are faced with the challenge of creating a return-to-office or hybrid-office policy that balances the needs of their employees with their business objectives. It is no easy feat, but with careful planning and consideration, companies can create policies that support employee well-being and enhance organizational productivity.

According to a Deloitte study, employees want flexibility, with 77% preferring a hybrid work model that allows them to work both in the office and remotely. However, a successful return-to-office or hybrid-office policy requires more than accommodating employee preferences. Companies must also consider the physical, technological, and cultural changes necessary to transition successfully.? That said, Deloitte also found that remote work is here to stay, with 88% of companies reporting that they will continue to allow their employees to work remotely, at least on a part-time basis. However, many employees also want to return to the office, at least part-time. In a survey by the Harvard Business Review, 61% of employees said they wanted to spend some time in the office, while 56% said they preferred a hybrid work arrangement. Therefore, companies need to create policies that allow for flexibility and balance.

Steps to Take

The following are the best practices and steps companies can take to develop effective return-to-office or hybrid-office policies.

1. The first step in creating a successful policy is to assess the company's objectives and the needs of its employees. Research by MIT shows that the most effective return-to-office or hybrid-office policies are tailored to the specific needs of individual organizations. It means that companies must consider factors such as productivity, employee well-being, engagement, and industry-specific requirements.? Considering the policy, a key question is: Is the goal to increase collaboration, productivity, or employee engagement? Or is the goal to reduce costs or improve work-life balance for employees? Understanding the company's goals will help shape the policy and ensure alignment with the company's overall strategy.
2. The next step is identifying the technological and physical changes required to support the policy. Remote work requires robust technical infrastructure, including secure networks, virtual meeting platforms, reliable communication tools, and physical space. In contrast, in-office work requires careful planning of workspaces to ensure social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols. The key to creating a successful policy is balancing the needs of both in-office and remote workers, ensuring they have the resources they need to be productive and engaged.? In addition, companies must ensure their employees have the necessary tools and resources to work remotely and in the office. It may include providing laptops, VPN access, and cloud-based collaboration tools. Additionally, companies may need to reconfigure their physical spaces to allow for social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols. An example of a successful hybrid-office policy is the one implemented by the software company Atlassian. The company will enable employees to work remotely up to two days per week, with the remaining three days in the office. This policy supports employee flexibility while allowing in-person collaboration and social connection. Atlassian has also changed its physical space for social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols. Another? example of a successful hybrid office policy is the one implemented by Dropbox. In 2020, Dropbox announced that it would be transitioning to a virtual-first model, where employees could work from anywhere but were required to be in the office only for team collaboration and bonding. This policy allows for flexibility and autonomy while still promoting collaboration and teamwork.
3. Once a policy has been established, the next step is clearly communicating it to employees. It includes providing information on expectations for remote work, in-office work, and hybrid work and outlining available resources and support. Research from Gartner shows that clear communication is critical to ensuring employees feel engaged and supported throughout the transition.? It includes providing training and support to ensure that employees understand the expectations and requirements of the policy. Companies should also regularly assess the policy and make adjustments to ensure that it continues to meet the company's and its employees' needs.
4. Finally, companies must be flexible and adaptable. The pandemic has shown that unexpected events can significantly impact work arrangements, and companies must be prepared to adjust their policies as needed. It includes monitoring the effectiveness of the policy, collecting feedback from employees, and making changes where necessary.? Sloan from MIT found that companies that offer flexibility in their return-to-office policies, such as allowing employees to choose when and how often they come into the office, are more likely to retain them. Companies should also prioritize employee health and safety (including psychological safety) when implementing a return-to-office policy. It means adhering to public health guidelines and providing a safe and healthy workplace. A recent study by Andreessen and Sequoia found that companies prioritizing employee health and safety are more likely to retain their employees.??Companies should be prepared to adjust their return-to-office policies as needed. For example, HBR found that companies that have implemented a flexible return-to-office policy, such as allowing employees to work from home on certain days, have been better able to adapt to changing circumstances during the pandemic.

In conclusion, creating a successful return-to-office or hybrid-office policy requires careful planning, assessment, and communication. Companies can develop policies that support employee well-being and organizational productivity by considering the needs of the company and its employees, implementing the necessary technological and physical changes, and communicating the policy. Companies must also remain flexible and adaptable to ensure that their policies are effective in the long term.