After years of remote-working and Teams calls being the norm, many companies are re-evaluating the role of the office with some starting to encourage employees back on site.
Once considered a perk or only applied in certain circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to close their office doors to employees, giving them no choice but to invest in remote working infrastructures.
This saw remote working quickly evolve from a temporary solution to the new normal for many companies, whilst others soon returned to their usual office working requirements.
Approaches have varied widely by industry and employee needs, with many organisations settling on a hybrid model, blending remote and in-office work.
While many employees value the flexibility and work-life balance of home working, others prefer the structure and social interaction of the office. The preference often comes down to personal choice, making it clear there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with companies like Amazon leading the way in calling teams back into the office. Are we starting to see companies shift from home to the office?
So, what do employers need to consider if they are reviewing their working policies?
- You don’t know what you don’t know. So don’t pretend to. Make sure to ask your employees questions: What do your employees really want? What is important to them? What would they like from the office environment? Undertaking a culture review is a good way to gain this feedback to really understand what your employees would like. If staff aren’t happy they lose interest, check out and often look elsewhere. Consider offering options that are a balance between your company’s needs, and your employee wants to help retain talent and support a positive, thriving workforce.
- Lead by example. Whether the outcome is hybrid working or full time in the office, this needs to be embedded fairly across the company with managers leading by example. Don’t expect your team to do something that you won’t do.
- Check-in with your employees regularly. Staying in touch with your employees with regular check-ins is important, it helps keep colleagues connected, feel valued and gives them the opportunity to share any concerns. This can be online or in-person but can make a real difference to how employees are feeling.
- Be open about the process. If change is on the horizon this can cause uncertainty and people like to be in the know. Springing change on a workforce can prompt employees to look elsewhere, so being clear on what is happening, the plans and the reason behind it can really help alleviate any doubts.
- Check employee contracts. Changing working policies may require a consultation with employees if the proposed changes are different from what is stated in their contracts. This is essential to ensure the right processes and legalities are followed to reduce any grievances being logged.
- Look at the bigger picture. It may be more than just employees enjoying the work life balance working from home brings. For example, commuting may be too expensive in this current climate, arranging longer or alternative childcare can be difficult, or they may have taken on additional care responsibilities. This kind of information may only come out if asked, highlighting the importance of culture reviews and regular check-ins.
The Great Debate
The great debate of home, hybrid and office working brings many pros and cons for all, however what must remain a priority is for companies to follow the correct procedures, communicate clearly and ensure employees have regular opportunities to check-in with managers.
Change can be scary for many and how it is handled will play a key factor as to whether employees choose to stay or leave no matter the outcome.
How Can CE People Support You?
If you are a company that is looking to make a change or take a deeper dive into whether your current working practices are right for your employees and business, then please do get in touch with us at CE People.
With extensive experience in culture surveys and HR support, our team can help develop and embed an effective strategy to help navigate through the next steps.
Get in touch with us today here.
