At the peak of the pandemic, analysts and experts alike predicted that the mass migration to remote working would mean the end of the office. Deep down, this was never true and as the world slowly begins to open back up, we know for a fact that the office is here to stay.
A Garter poll revealed that 69% of midsize companies are planning on reopening their offices during the second half of the year, but what policies and practices will have changed by then?
Although the survey found that the majority of employees support a vaccine mandate in order to allow workers back into the office, many companies plan on using an honor system. This leaves workers in the dark about who has actually been vaccinated, causing a potential health risk.
There have been talks about vaccine passports, but they are not exactly the most popular method of proving one’s vaccination status.
For instance, the pace in which they’re being developed is slower than when companies plan to reopen their offices. Additionally, some states have banned employers from using them, such as Texas and Florida. Employees have also stated privacy and legal concerns with this method.
So how can companies reopen their offices in a way that prioritizes the safety and productivity of employees? For starters, be overly communicative about when the workspace will be reopened and give ample time for workers to prepare for their return.
Additionally, detail your new hybrid work arrangements so employees have a clear view of what will be expected from them and what type of flexibility they will be granted.
