Why Are Some Companies Calling Employees Back to the Office?
Lately, we’ve seen major companies like Amazon, Disney, and Zoom (yes, Zoom!) making headlines by calling their employees back to the office. Why? ?? The reasons vary—some say it’s about productivity and collaboration, while others insist it’s about maintaining company culture. But let’s be honest: is it really about culture, or is it about control?
Here’s the real question: if you hire great people, why wouldn’t you trust them to deliver—no matter where they work? ??
At Galaxus, we’re keeping it simple yet impactful: just one day a week in the office. The rest is up to you. Here’s why we believe this is the way forward??:
The Freedom to Flourish ??
Micromanaging stifles creativity. Trust nurtures it. If you’re hiring employees to add value to your company, you need to give them the space to thrive. Forcing everyone back into the office won’t spark innovation—it’ll just spark frustration. At Galaxus, our approach is rooted in trust. We focus on impact and outcomes, not attendance. Why? Because trust empowers people, and empowered people drive results. ??
Remote Work Isn’t Easy, But It Works ??
Remote teams can be challenging—miscommunication, time zones, and the occasional "You’re on mute" on Teams calls. But the solution isn’t dragging everyone back to the office. It’s about creating frameworks and providing tools that allow teams to collaborate effectively (working on Miro boards, OKR Frameworks etc.) —whether they’re at home, in a coworking space, or on a beach in Portugal. ???
Oh, and did we mention? We also offer a two-month workation option for our employees. Imagine working from your dream destination while delivering great results. It’s a win-win for everyone. ??
Balancing Generational Perspectives and Workplace Realities ???
Let’s talk generational dynamics for a moment. With Baby Boomers fading out of the workplace, Gen X is now in charge. This generation grew up equating "work" with office spaces, coffee breaks, and meeting rooms. The office feels like home to them. But here’s the thing—Millennials and Gen Z are rewriting the rules, favoring flexibility and purpose over tradition.
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Of course, we can’t ignore that some roles simply can’t be done remotely— manufacturing, logistics, or hospitality. Instead of dragging everyone back to the office under one-size-fits-all policies, it’s time to rethink how we make these roles more employee-centric. Could we offer more flexibility in schedules? Create better support systems? Provide additional perks for on-site roles?
This isn’t just about remote vs. office/ on site work—it’s about finding creative ways to give all employees a better experience, regardless of the type of job they do.
Trust, Freedom, and Collaboration Lead to Innovation ??
At Galaxus, we believe that freedom fuels innovation. When employees are trusted to work how and where they’re most productive, creativity flourishes. Collaboration doesn’t have to mean sitting in the same room all day—it means coming together when it matters and trusting each other to handle the rest.
We’re not just creating a workplace; we’re fostering a culture where employees feel empowered, trusted, are engaged and inspired. ??
Why This Matters ??
Calling employees back to the office full-time might feel like a step backward. The future of work isn’t about control—it’s about choice. Companies that embrace trust, flexibility, and employee empowerment will win in the long run. At Galaxus, we’re proud to offer an environment where our people can thrive—whether they’re at home, in the office, or working from a new corner of the world.
What’s your take on the future of work? Let’s discuss! ??
P.S. To all the CEO, CHROs out there: You might want to reconsider that "mandatory office return" policy. If you want to stay competitive, attract top talent, and cover the full talent market, give people the option to work where they work best. Include - not exclude. ??
#FutureOfWork #RemoteWork #Innovation #TrustCulture #EmployeeExperience #Galaxus #Workation #EmployeeEmpowerment
Great perspective on the balance between creativity and workplace flexibility. It's refreshing to see a focus on what employees truly need to thrive. How do you think companies can further support those who may still be hesitant about a hybrid approach?
Senior Immobilienberater/ Senior Real Estate Consultant
2 个月Totally agree Daryl! Great to see that you guys at Galaxus are setting trust into your employees, so they can thrive. That is a healthy environment where people can perform and bring better results.
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2 个月A great call for leaders to rethink rigid policies and focus on building workplaces people love!
HR Professional & Founder | Transforming Challenges into Opportunities | Workshop Moderator | Applied AI Teacher
2 个月What a fantastic post that truly highlights the shift we’re witnessing in the workplace today! ?? As employers I believe we hold a responsibility to create meaningful and purposeful experiences that draw employees back to the office—not because they have to be there, but because they want to be. ?? From my experience, employees thrive when they feel their time is valued. A common mistake is scheduling “mandatory” in-office meetings with no clear added value. But when the purpose aligns with collaboration, innovation, or simply connecting on a deeper human level, the energy in the office becomes palpable. At the same time, flexibility remains key. Having one dedicated office day per week, as you do at Galaxus, is a great way to strike that balance. It allows for meaningful face-to-face interactions—whether over a coffee break or during brainstorming sessions—while respecting employees’ autonomy. The future of work is about trust, choice, and empowerment. It’s not just about “where” people work but “how” and “why” they work. Let’s keep reimagining what that looks like! ??
Performance Coach | Leader | Scientist who guides you on your path to success through energy mastery ??
2 个月Daryl Alther Inspiring! You're walking the talk of trust ??