In September 2024, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy made headlines when he announced a five-day return-to-office mandate for the company. However, due to some offices not being fully prepared for the influx of employees, the RTO deadline has been delayed.
While hybrid office arrangements are expected to continue, a recent study from CBRE and CoreNet revealed that companies and employees are aligning their expectations for in-office work. The survey of 198 corporate real estate professionals found that over half (51%) want to increase office attendance from current levels. Some aim to align with current policies while others plan on reducing hybrid work altogether.
The study also highlighted how sporadic or unpredictable office attendance negatively impacts workplace objectives such as relationship-building and cross-team collaboration. Interestingly enough, only one-quarter (26%) reported decreased productivity due to current attendance levels.
Challenges hindering increased office attendance include commute times and lack of enforced RTO mandates. According to the survey results, 57% cited commute time as an obstacle while 83% pointed towards a lack of clear policy guidelines.
To improve office attendance without relying solely on mandates or enforcement measures, companies are implementing change management strategies such as having leaders serve as role models; investing in workplace technology; providing manager training; increasing social events/programming; and setting more targeted expectations for in-office days.
Additionally, executives are utilizing other tactics like redesigning layouts/workspaces; upgrading amenities/services at workplaces; or even relocating offices entirely into better buildings.
