Earlier this year, we asked our LinkedIn community to share their thoughts in a poll on what would encourage them to return to the office. Thanks to 62 respondents, we have collated the votes and have seen some interesting findings that will help many businesses gain better insight into what might get their teams back into their offices. Take a look at what we found below.
The results: what would encourage you to return to the office?
In a recent survey on what might entice individuals to return to the office, the results spoke volumes about preferences. In fact, flexibility in working hours emerged as the clear winner, showing a significant 66% of the votes.
Meanwhile, 21% of respondents showed a want for regular in-person meetings, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interaction. Surprisingly, only 6% favoured more team-building events, suggesting that while camaraderie is appreciated, it may not be the primary driver for office reintegration.
Another 6% expressed various other preferences that were not noted. That said, one respondent did note that “offices are no longer a key part of the working world. Used as less regular meeting points they have some limited value but hybrid is here to stay.” Comments like these show the shifting dynamic towards hybrid work models, where physical offices serve more as occasional meeting hubs rather than daily destinations.
Overall, out of 62 respondents, the results clearly demonstrate the importance of accommodating flexible working arrangements as companies navigate the return to physical workspaces.
What are the benefits of flexible working hours for your employees?
As shown clearly in our poll, flexibility in work arrangements has become increasingly important in today’s workforce, offering many advantages for both employees and companies.
For some individuals, it provides a better work-life balance and greater access to employment opportunities that were previously unavailable to them due to location constraints or full-time commitments. In fact, for companies, embracing flexibility allows employers to tap into a wider pool of talented individuals beyond geographical boundaries or those seeking non-traditional work hours, leading to improved employee engagement and a more diverse workforce.
But that’s not all. Flexible working means improved work-life balance, reduced commuting time and costs, enhanced mental wellbeing, and a sense of autonomy and trust for your employees.
At the same time, companies can expect to reap rewards in the form of increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, improved retention rates, reduced absenteeism, and access to a more diverse talent pool.
What are the benefits of face-to–face meetings?
Throughout the pandemic, virtual meetings have become an essential lifeline for conducting business and maintaining social connections, as they have served as our primary means of communication. We have relied on them extensively for both professional and personal meetings, adapting to and embracing virtual meeting technology in ways that were previously unforeseen. However, today, it appears that both companies and their employees do see face-to-face meetings as much more valuable and come with many unique advantages that cannot be fully replicated through digital communication.
First and foremost, they allow for stronger interpersonal connections by allowing participants to gauge non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions, thereby enhancing understanding and rapport between clients and employees.
In another sense, these meetings also promote more effective collaboration and brainstorming sessions, as spontaneous interactions and real-time feedback can lead to quicker decision-making and problem-solving. They also tend to be more engaging and memorable, as they create a shared experience and sense of presence that can be lacking in virtual interactions.
And for those looking to upskill and move into more senior positions, they provide opportunities for networking and relationship-building, which are essential for professional growth and career advancement.
How can you use the results of our poll to encourage employees to return to the office?
To leverage the poll results and to encourage employees to return to the office, it’s evident that companies need to adopt a multifaceted approach – and one size may not fit all.
However, at a minimum, recognising the overwhelming preference for flexible working hours (66%) suggests implementing hybrid work models to allow employees to balance office and remote work. This acknowledges their desire for autonomy while providing them with a sense of control over their schedules.
Secondly, the 21% preference for regular in-person meetings shows the importance of face-to-face interactions. So, incorporating periodic meetings into the office routine can help to facilitate collaboration, relationship-building, and a sense of belonging.
While the desire for more team-building events (6%) may not be as apparent, occasional gatherings can still be organised to strengthen camaraderie and morale amongst team members.
Lastly, when it comes to the “other” category, allow your employees to offer their own feedback and valuable insight so that you can create a tailored strategy to address specific concerns and preferences.
Should employers introduce back-to-the-office mandates?
To entice employees back to the office, business owners must offer more than just the basics, such as dart boards in the office, complimentary snacks and free drinks on a Friday. In fact, it’s about creating a sense of purpose and opportunity that goes beyond what can be achieved remotely. When teams convene in person, it’s essential to maximise the time with meticulously planned activities that leverage the benefits of face-to-face interaction. Think group brainstorming sessions, intimate coffee catch-ups, and regular team retreats that foster collaboration and camaraderie.
While flexible working has its merits, there’s a significant cohort that wants the vibrant atmosphere of an office environment still.
Businesses that acknowledge and cater to the needs of both remote and in-office workers will not only attract but also retain top talent. On the other hand, rigid mandates forcing everyone back to the office risk alienating valuable employees, potentially driving them towards more accommodating competitors.
If you want to read more about our thoughts and findings on such a relevant topic, you can find my RetailWeek article.
