Employees Are Returning To The Office, But How Can They Maintain Flexibility?

Workers are readjusting their daily schedules — again. 

The return-to-the-office era seems to be actually happening this time as companies large and small move past the throes of the pandemic. 

Over the last few years, workers have been forced to find their footing in the remote work era. For many, this meant balancing their schedules with their personal responsibilities, such as caring for children and keeping up with daily chores. 

However, does the seemingly urgent need to be in the office mean a return to pre-pandemic norms? Not so fast. 

Yes, it is likely that there will be an uptick in office footfall in the coming months, but there is an even more urgent need to address employee expectations in the future. Most now value being in the office just a few days a week, meaning companies that don’t adapt to these demands are poised for failure. 

It’s more than the desire for freedom that is keeping workers from wanting to return to the office full-time. Doing so has consequences, such as increased expenses for gas and food, as well as complications when it comes to rebalancing personal priorities.   

The best way to combat this is to make the office a place where workers actually want to be in. While this won’t guarantee a five-day-a-week return, it can mean better employee engagement, productivity and satisfaction as workers don’t feel that their schedules are being micromanaged.