What’s going on:
Data from a survey published by the Conference Board reveals that 73% of companies are struggling to return employees to the office, according to Worklife.news. Measures such as relaxed dress codes, flexible work hours, and new amenities like on-site cafes, dental and eyeglass clinics, and emergency daycare have been put into place to incentivize return-to-office mandates.
Why it matters:
The return-to-office challenge is a critical issue as companies seek to find a balance between office culture, productivity, and employee satisfaction. The struggle indicates a tug-of-war between employers and employees about the value and function of the traditional office environment. This situation also puts a spotlight on the increasing value employees place on flexibility and autonomy — possibly marking a shift in the way companies will need to manage their workforce moving forward.
How it’ll impact the future:
The pandemic has catalyzed a profound reevaluation of conventional work structures, and the struggle to bring employees back to the office could permanently alter the future of work. Trends show that more companies might instill hybrid models, or risk losing talent to competitors who offer more flexibility. Furthermore, it could spur companies to redesign offices, focusing more on collaborative spaces while acknowledging the need for distraction-free environments.
