Rethinking Workplace Culture: the return to the office dilemma
Marianne Hewlett - Leemans
Senior VP & Chief Storyteller / Head of Brand Strategy
As several companies have announced a return to the office five days a week, it has sparked significant conversation about workplace culture. It raises an important question: Can culture truly be cultivated simply by bringing employees back into a physical space or is this more about control?
Control over Connection
While intentions may be rooted in fostering a vibrant workplace culture, the focus seems to lean more towards control than genuine cultural improvement. In today’s efficiency-driven world, there is a persistent belief that physical presence equates to productivity. While organizations could cultivate a sense of belonging in a digital environment, they seem to be leaning towards traditional office dynamics. This decision raises concerns about whether they are prioritizing control over connection.
Culture is About People
It’s not confined to office walls; it’s about interactions, beliefs, and shared values. It transcends physical boundaries, thrives on innovation, collaboration, and the freedom to explore ideas—qualities that can exist in both remote and in-person environments.
The Power of Shared Norms
To achieve meaningful outcomes, organizations should focus on establishing shared norms rather than imposing mandates. A push for in-office work may not instigate the desired cultural shift; instead, it risks perpetuating a transactional atmosphere.
The best environments—whether virtual or physical—are those that empower individuals to contribute passionately towards a shared vision, without the constraints of a rigid attendance policy.
As we move forward, organizations need to create spaces that inspire connection and collaboration, regardless of where we are. There’s no commute required for that kind of culture.
Marketing Manager
5 个月I couldn't agree with you more. I think we have all discovered that the office can't be the only space to work, and sometimes we can be more efficient even we are not in the office. As Neil mentioned, I don't need to be in the office if I'm on calls with my headset all day. However, I'd like to be there if there is an opportunity to connect, to have inspiring conversations, and to see innovative things.
VP - Global Head of Accessibility (Atos Group) at Atos
5 个月Flexible and remote work is enabling people with disabilities to work and progress in roles that would have been previously difficult or impossible for them so I see return to the office mandates as a retrograde step. I do enjoy the experience of being face to face with my colleagues but the reality in a multinational organisation is that if I were to work full time from the office I would still be on video conferences all day as my team spans many countries. I also cannot do deep work in a noisy open plan environment - I don’t think I am alone in this, some love it but we need to recognise neurodiversity and the way we’re all wired varies, work should be flexible enough to allow us to work where and how we can best perform. Yes lets use offices as hubs for social interaction bonding and water cooler conversations but why waste the time, energy and fuel going to the office only to sit on a teams call.
Global Brand Manager
5 个月So accurate, Marianne :) being part of a shared view and delivering towards it while working with colleagues from all over the world goes way beyond the 4 walls of an office. In my view a strict physical attendance policy can only work against it.
HRD | Learning & Development| Talent & Performance Management | Organizational Development | DEI Advocate | Elevating HR Standards in International Organizations
5 个月Marianne Hewlett - Leemans thanks for bringing this conversation. I agree with your point of view, culture is about people and forcing people to be all in the office doesn't build a better culture, one size doesn't fits all.
Cyber Security Services Business Line Leader - BeLux, Netherlands, Nordics countries
5 个月Amen to that.