It is no secret that the workplace is changing. With the rise of technology, more and more employees are working remotely. While this offers many benefits to both employers and employees, there are some advantages to returning to in-office work.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top five benefits of returning to in-office work and how employers can encourage their employees to return.
The Benefits of In-Office Work
Collaboration
One of the benefits of returning to in-office work is increased collaboration. When employees are in the same co-working space, they can easily communicate and collaborate with each other. This is especially beneficial for team projects or when trying to solve a problem.
Many workers felt stressed or frustrated with a remote schedule filled with Zoom meetings and back-and-forth emails, but in-office collaboration allows for smoother and faster communication to knock out those team projects.
Improved Company Culture
Another benefit of returning to in-office work is that it creates a more cohesive company culture. When employees are in the same space with breakroom interactions, they can have the opportunity to build relationships as opposed to in a remote setting with multiple communication barriers.Ā
This sense of camaraderie and team bonding is beneficial for both the employer and the employee. Strong company culture can improve employee satisfaction and retention rates and attract top talent.
Better Focus
Returning to in-office work can also allow employees to focus better. When working remotely, there are many distractions that can come up, such as children or pets. Company headquarters provide a beneficial focused environment for increased productivity.
Encourages Better Work-Life Separation
Another benefit of returning to in-office work is that it encourages better work-life separation. When employees are working remotely, it can be difficult to set boundaries between work and home life. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
But when employees are in the office, they can leave work at the office and enjoy their personal time without being interrupted by work. This is beneficial for both the employer and the employee, as it leads to a more productive and well-rounded workforce.
More Opportunities for Employee Recognition and Appreciation
Finally, returning to in-office work can also lead to more opportunities for employee recognition and appreciation.
When employees are working remotely, it can be easy for their hard work to go unnoticed
But when they are in the office, their employer can see all that they are doing and acknowledge their efforts.
Employers can also reward employees for a job well-done with catered lunches or coffee and donuts in the morning. Employees will appreciate these perks and become more motivated to stay engaged.
How to Encourage Employees to Return to the Office
Offer a Hybrid Model
One way to encourage employees to return to the office is by offering a hybrid work model. With a hybrid working model, employees have the option to work in the office or remotely. This gives employees the best of both worlds and allows them to choose what works best for them.
Increase Comfort in the Office
Another way to encourage employees to return to the office is by increasing comfort in the office. This can be done by ensuring that the office is clean and safe, providing comfortable furniture, and offering amenities such as a gym or on-site childcare. These amenities will also help ease employees' anxiety as they transition their schedule to an on-site model.
Offer More Relaxed Work Schedules
Employers can also encourage employees to return to the office by offering more relaxed work schedules and office hours. This could include flexible hours with in and out times, as well as the option to take longer breaks throughout the day.
Hybrid schedules help ease employees back into a regular work schedule and make the transition less daunting.
Within a hybrid work model, your company can also allow employees to choose which days they work remotely and when they will be in the office with the exception of some mandatory days.
Focus on Emphasizing the Benefits of In-Office Work
Finally, employers should focus on emphasizing the benefits of in-office work when discussing the change with employees. By doing this, employers can show employees that returning to the office is not only beneficial for the company, but also for them personally.
Employers should also be sure to listen to employees' concerns and address them openly. By doing this, employers will show that they value their employees' input and are willing to work together to find a solution that is best for everyone.
With these tips, your company should be able to smoothly make the transition to on-site work. Understand that it is normal to lose a few employees during this transition.
If your company is looking to hire on-site workers, firstPRO is here to help. Our professional recruiters are experts at placing top talent for your business to grow and scale. Check our blog for more tips like Trends Driving the New Post-Pandemic Workplace
