During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were forced to work from home. Initially, it was challenging for many workers to perform their tasks in a new environment, and for many companies, the transition was financially demanding due to investments in new technologies that enabled remote work. After the pandemic ended, employees were expected to return to the office. What are the advantages and disadvantages of returning to the office?
Why are employers pushing for a return to the office?
One of the most common arguments is strengthening the sense of belonging. Employers worry that remote work undermines team spirit, complicates communication, and limits access to important information. They believe that a shared office environment fosters better relationships and more effective collaboration. However, as a Harvard study has shown, open-plan offices do not automatically lead to more communication. Paradoxically, employees in open spaces often send more emails and talk less face-to-face.
What are the advantages of working from home?
Many employees particularly value the greater flexibility of working from home. The ability to adjust their work schedule, handle personal matters during lunch breaks, or take a short rest contributes to a better work-life balance.
What are the risks of long-term home office?
However, experts warn that long-term work from home can blur the boundaries between work and personal life. This may lead to
Why do some employees resist returning to the office?
Besides the mentioned flexibility, a common argument is cost savings. Employees do not have to commute daily, which saves them both time and money on transportation.
Employers, on the other hand, recognize that extensive home office arrangements can lead to savings on rent and office operating costs. On the other hand, they must address potential risks associated with lower motivation, poorer communication, and maintaining work discipline.
An interesting fact is that employee performance may decline after four days of working from home. However, short-term home office arrangements can be seen as a benefit and may lead to increased productivity.
How do employers motivate employees to return to the office?
Companies are looking for various ways to attract employees back to the office. Some invest in modern and attractive workspaces with various perks, while others rely on internal policies or even limit certain benefits for employees working exclusively from home.
An interesting observation was also shared by Lewis Becks from CBRE EMEA, who pointed out at the Office of the Year conference that factors such as weather, traffic conditions, or even the lunch menu can influence office occupancy.
What are your rights?
It is important to know that an employer cannot unilaterally mandate working from home. Likewise, an employee cannot unilaterally decide to work exclusively from home. Mutual agreement between the employer and the employee is always required.
Hybrid work as a compromise?
Given the various arguments and needs, many companies have opted for a hybrid work model. This combines working from home with working in the office, aiming to take advantage of both approaches. This model provides employees with flexibility while also supporting team collaboration and social interaction.
Returning to the office is a complex topic with no clear-cut answer. The hybrid model appears to be the most feasible approach, combining the benefits of both working from home and in the office. Open communication and finding solutions that suit both employees and companies are essential.
What is your experience with returning to the office? Remember that if you are looking for a new job with flexible conditions, just take a look at our job offers and find the ideal opportunity.
