The back-to-the-office debate is still going strong. Hybrid? Remote? Full-time office life? CEOs seem to have their minds made up. Around 81% of them reckon we’ll all be back at our desks full-time within the next three years. No more mid-morning laundry or Zoom meetings in joggers, apparently.
This shift is stirring up conversations around productivity, company culture, and what people actually want. While some argue the office is where the magic happens (brainstorms, banter, team lunches), others are clinging to the flexibility we’ve grown used to.
Employees Have a Different Take
Recent surveys show just 37% of employees prefer office-based work, while 54% still lean toward working remotely. That’s a pretty big gap between leadership’s expectations and how people really feel about the daily commute.
What Employers Can Do to Smooth the Transition
Moving back to full-time office life after years of remote or hybrid routines can feel like a culture shock. One article from HRD Connect outlines practical ways employers can ease the shift, like upgrading Wi-Fi, adding quiet spaces, or even just sorting out parking and better lunch options (It’s the little things.)
Here are a few more things employers can do to make it a little less painful:
- Offer Flexibility (Yes, Still): We get it — it sounds like a contradiction. But giving employees some leeway shows trust and understanding. Life doesn’t stop just because we’re back in the office — there are still school runs, dentist appointments, and those general life admin bits and bobs that do collide with work schedules.
- Communicate Early and Often: Nobody likes surprise announcements. Keep teams in the loop and encourage honest conversations — it builds trust and stops the rumour mill in its tracks.
- Support Well-Being: Consider mental health initiatives, wellbeing programmes, and flexibility with start and finish times.
- Make It Nice: Create a workspace people want to come back to. Think comfy chairs, clean kitchens, natural light — not just rows of grey desks.
What Employees Can Do to Make It Work
If the return to office life is feeling a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Your work hours are your work hours. Don’t be afraid to shut the laptop, log out of your inbox, and reclaim your evening. You’re not a 24/7 machine.
- Build a Routine That Suits You: Try to find a rhythm that fits around your life — not the other way around. Whether it’s a gym session before work or a podcast on the commute, find your thing!
- Talk to Your Manager: Got concerns? Say so. The earlier you speak up, the better chance you have of finding a solution that works for both sides.
- Stay Open-Minded: Getting back into the office swing might be a chance to reconnect, share ideas, and maybe even enjoy a Friday coffee run with the team.
Need more advice on navigating work changes, whether you’re heading back to the office or plotting your next move? Contact HireIQ — we’re here to help you figure it out:
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