During the pandemic-driven shut-down, most white-collar employees participated in work-from-home arrangements. These days, employees are hybrid workers, spending part of their time in the corporate office and the rest in their home offices. A recent report issued by Unispace titled “Returning for Good” indicates that firms are beefing up their mandates to return to work; however these measures may not be enough to entice employees back into an office setting. The survey involving 9,500 employees and 6,650 employers across 17 countries worldwide found that 79% of business leaders have told their remote workers pay raises, promotions and bonuses will be more limited than those who show up onsite.
What bosses are saying is that 83% feel virtual attendees have a lower share of voice compared to those physically present at meetings; yet 42% of companies with mandated returns experience employee attrition at higher rates while 29% struggle with recruitment efforts due mainly attributed by commute concerns from staff members themselves rather than what employers think is causing reluctance (commute).
When asked why they find working from home more appealing 89 %of employers believe current office setup promotes production but 52 %of surveyed individuals struggle due frequent interruptions & too many meetings resulting 50 %working 4 or more days per week & 33 %preferring this set up . To encourage attendance 86%, want dedicated workspace , 69%, prefer brainstorming face2face 62%, one on one meeting site side 81%. Employers can offer free lunch options as incentive as well as paid travel reimbursements which 83& 81 percent respectively indicated would lure them back into workplace .
Despite loyalty demonstrated towards companies returning mandates alone won’t suffice ; Ryan Caffyn Parsons CEO Unispace Americas noted “We can see that employers emphasizing value workplace but this may not drive successful engagement & performance ” He further added ” What data highlights missing opportunity better define purpose how enable full ecosystem”.
