The post-pandemic era was met with a wave of Return to Office (RTO) mandates. Most of which came from big companies like Boeing, UPS, and JPMorgan Chase. They weren’t met without controversy of course, and some serious opposition.
But while the RTO wave has slowly fizzled out over the past year, several companies are still trying to navigate how to get their employees to fully return to the office, or at least part of the time.
And I get it, the fully remote work trend isn’t going to fit every company’s needs. We were pretty lucky at Jibble that going from office to 100% remote worked so well for us.
So whichever you plan to do for your company, whether it’s a hybrid or a full-time return to the office set-up, it’s crucial to approach the transition thoughtfully. The good news is: there are some ways to do it without becoming the most unpopular person in the office!
That’s what we’re going to talk about in this article, along with the pros and cons that come with that decision. Let’s dive in.
This Article Covers:
- What are the Benefits of Returning to Office?
- The Disadvantages of Return to Office
- Top 6 Strategies to Successfully Implement an RTO
- Final Thoughts
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
What are the Benefits of Returning to Office?
Returning to the office after a period of remote work can bring several advantages for both employees and companies. And it’s these benefits that you really want to capitalize on when trying to encourage employees to return to the office.
- Work-Life Balance: For many, being back in the office helps create a clearer boundary between work and personal life. Employees can leave work at the office, reducing the likelihood of bringing job-related stress home. Additionally, hybrid setups allow flexibility on work-from-home days, giving employees the chance to manage personal tasks alongside their work commitments without judgment.
- Enhanced Employee Recognition: Being physically present in the office can lead to greater visibility. Research shows that a significant majority of leaders (96%) recognize the contributions of onsite employees more readily than those working remotely. This increased face-to-face interaction can lead to better career development opportunities, as leaders are more likely to notice and acknowledge hard work and achievements.
- Enhanced Mentorship Opportunities: For young professionals and those early in their careers, returning to the office offers greater access to mentorship and hands-on coaching. Being in the same physical space as experienced colleagues allows for more spontaneous learning and guidance.
- Spontaneous Collaboration: In addition to enhanced mentorship opportunities, being physically present in the office also means employees have more opportunities for impromptu connections and interactions. These unplanned moments—whether a quick chat by the coffee machine or a brainstorming session in the hallway—can lead to new ideas, faster problem-solving, and stronger workplace relationships. Such interactions contribute to a sense of community and belonging that might be harder to replicate in a remote setting.
- Access to Resources: Being physically present in the office gives employees immediate access to necessary tools, equipment, and support. And when you have what you need just around the corner you’re most likely to streamline work processes and minimize a whole lot of unnecessary downtime.
The Disadvantages of Return to Office
Just as there are benefits to returning to office, there are downsides too. Here are the key disadvantages you’ll have to address if you hope to get employees to return to the office:
- Hassle of Commute: Probably one of the most significant drawbacks of an RTO is the daily commute. Employees who have enjoyed the convenience of working from home may find it difficult to go back to long commutes, deal with traffic, or rely on public transportation.
- Reduced Flexibility: Remote work has introduced a level of flexibility that is difficult to replicate in a traditional office setting. Returning to the office often would mean less autonomy over work schedules and personal time. Not something that many employees would appreciate.
There are several things you can do to work around these disadvantages. You might consider implementing flexible arrival and departure times, helping employees avoid peak traffic. Additionally, offering commuting stipends or organizing shuttle services for those without cars can significantly alleviate some of the financial and logistical pressures that come with commuting.
A hybrid work setup would also help strike a balance between getting employees to return to the office while still giving them some of the flexibility they have grown accustomed to.
Top 6 Strategies to Successfully Implement an RTO
Implementing an RTO policy can be pretty challenging. But it can be done. Not through veiled threats and coercion, but by approaching the transition with transparency and a focus on mutual benefits. Here are strategies that can help you get started in the right direction.
1. Involve employees in the decision
When employees feel valued and heard, they are more likely to be on board with changes, including the shift back to the office.
Start by engaging your team through surveys or one-on-one meetings to gauge their thoughts and concerns about returning to the office. Ask them what challenges they anticipate and what would make the transition smoother. This approach not only gives you valuable insights but also shows your employees that their opinions matter.
2. Plan a gradual RTO transition
To ease the shift back to the office, consider a phased approach. Instead of requiring everyone to return full-time immediately, start with a few days a week so they don’t feel too overwhelmed by the change.
You can implement a hybrid model where employees come in for core days while working remotely on the other days. This gradual transition allows employees to acclimate to the office environment while still benefiting from the flexibility of remote work. A gradual transition also allows you to monitor how well the shift is working and make adjustments as needed.
As employees adapt, you can slowly increase the number of in-office days based on their feedback and overall company needs.
3. Create new in-person rituals
An article from the Harvard Business Review by Chris Capossela couldn’t have said it better: “The value of the office is in the people, not the place”
One of the most compelling reasons to return to the office is the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues. People actually value their relationships and the social interactions they have with their work peers. To make the return to the office appealing and beneficial, creating new in-person rituals can play a key role.
Start by introducing regular social activities that give employees a chance to build and strengthen their relationships. For instance, you could organize weekly team lunches, coffee breaks, or informal brainstorming sessions. These gatherings provide a relaxed setting for employees to interact and catch up, which helps to rebuild team bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie.
It’s also important to celebrate achievements and milestones together. Recognizing team successes or individual contributions with small office celebrations can boost morale and reinforce a sense of belonging.
By creating these new in-person rituals, you can turn the office into something that employees actually enjoy returning to. And it’s not going to be much of a hard sell when you roll out that RTO policy.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
4. Make your office space a place for productivity and collaboration
You’re competing with the comfort of home, and there’s really no beating that. But there are ways to make the office a more appealing and dynamic place to work.
Flexibility is key even in office spaces. Incorporate open layouts with designated areas for teamwork, brainstorming, and social interactions. Try to make them feel inviting and less formal than traditional conference rooms. Consider adding movable furniture and whiteboards that allow for flexibility in how groups come together.
These collaborative spaces encourage communication and idea-sharing, fostering a sense of community among team members.
Additionally, ensure that there are quiet zones where employees can focus on tasks without distractions. Providing soundproof booths or designated quiet rooms can help individuals concentrate and complete work more efficiently.
5. Use technology to efficiently manage the RTO transition
There are plenty of software tools that can help you during your RTO transition. A key one is attendance apps.
With an attendance app, you can easily track employee office arrivals and departures, ensuring that everyone is adhering to their scheduled office days. Consider using an attendance app with facial recognition so you can verify that only authorized personnel are accessing the office.
Geofencing is also an attendance app feature worth looking into; it allows you to set virtual boundaries around your office space, ensuring that time is only recorded when employees are physically present within the designated area.
Beyond attendance tracking software, consider using collaboration tools to keep communication flowing. Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable teams to stay connected, share updates, and collaborate on projects in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This helps maintain productivity and engagement, even as employees transition back to the office.
6. Explore incentives
“Bosses who demand their employees work from the office without incentivizing them to do so will have a hard time holding on to them.” – Dan Drogman, Forbes
Who doesn’t like incentives, right? When encouraging employees to return to the office, offering incentives can make a big difference.
Start by considering what incentives would resonate most with your team. This could be anything from flexible work hours and extra paid time off to financial bonuses for those who regularly come into the office. Even small perks, like gift cards or company swag, can show appreciation and encourage attendance.
Creating a more enjoyable office environment can also serve as an incentive. Consider providing free snacks, coffee, or wellness programs to enhance the workplace experience. You can even arrange regular social events or themed days, like casual Fridays or team lunches.
A little extra motivation can go a long way in making employees feel valued and actually excited about returning to the office.
Final Thoughts
An RTO isn’t always the most popular decision among employees. It requires some serious thought and careful planning to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding employees’ concerns and addressing them proactively is key. By communicating clearly, offering incentives, and creating a positive work environment, you can ease the shift and help employees adapt more easily.
Hopefully, these tips help you navigate the return-to-office process. Remember, the goal is to create a space where employees actually want to return to, a place where they can collaborate, share ideas, and feel valued.
