Thinking of Having Your Team Return to the Office? Let’s Look at Some Pros and Cons
The pandemic is seemingly winding down, and with it, so is the use of masks, limited capacity at restaurants, and social distancing – but there’s one thing that’s still heavily in place: remote work. Employers across the globe are struggling with the decision to require their staff to return to the office, and we’re pretty confident if you’re reading this blog, you are too.
To help you better make that decision, we’ve laid out the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to having your team return to the office.
Remote Work: What We’ve Learned
The biggest thing we’ve learned in the past two years is that people love working remotely – and for good reason. According to the Morning Consult’s survey of 400 current remote workers, 81% of those surveyors enjoy teleworking. Remote working options give professionals autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to have a healthy work-life balance.
When considering returning to the office, it’s essential to think about your team’s wants, needs, and expectations. For example, are the people you’re asking to return to the office performing well remotely? Did you hire them as a full-time remote employee? Do they frequently use flextime?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’d likely get pushback from your team about returning to the office full time. But that doesn’t mean a return is impossible; it just means that you need to be mindful of your team’s needs. A good compromise may be a hybrid working situation, in which employees come to the office only 2-3 days a week.
Employee Interactions & Company Culture
The most significant benefit of having your team in the office is the opportunity to connect with your peers in person. With remote work, it’s easy to forget how much you miss coworkers, the chance to go out for lunch with them, and the many other ways of building a positive company culture.
A healthy environment is needed within any workplace – remote or in-person – since it increases productivity, team cohesiveness, trust, and job satisfaction. Of course, achieving a positive company culture is possible with a remote team, but it is far easier to establish when you see your employees regularly.
Returning to the office can also significantly benefit individual team members if done properly. Seeing teammates in person makes it easier for someone to showcase their talents, join in on company events, participate in mentorship programs, and further develop their careers compared to working remotely, where these opportunities to shine are more limited.
Remote Work Options & the Talent Pool
The biggest hurdle for companies wanting to return to the office is the fact that the vast majority of the talent pool wants to stay remote. According to the ADP Research Institute, a whopping 64% of the workforce would consider looking for a new job if they were required to be in the office full time. Over two-thirds of professionals feel remote work is necessary for their careers, and with the candidate-driven market, many companies are willing to accommodate them.
If you’re considering returning to the office, you need to be prepared that some of your team may leave for greener pastures. How you choose to manage this transition will play a significant role in your team’s response. If you feel a return to the office is vital for your company’s culture and success, consider a hybrid work option or implement a staggered approach for in-office attendance. The hybrid option still enables your team to meet in person and connect on big projects but gives your employees the autonomy they’ve come to expect and appreciate.
Looking for In-Office or Remote Talent?
Whether you’re looking for in-office talent or remote workers, keep in mind that both offer unique benefits. If you need help finding qualified information technology candidates who are the perfect fit for your company culture, TeamSoft is ready to help. Contact us today to learn how our specialized recruiters can help connect you with the right people for your team.
