Top 10 Ways to Get Your Remote Employees To Return To The Office
In a post-pandemic world, many companies are navigating the challenge of encouraging their employees to return to the office. While some employees are eager to re-establish in-person connections, others are hesitant, citing concerns about work-life integration, commuting, and productivity. This blog will explore 10 actionable strategies employers can use to help employees transition back to the office, all while ensuring that the shift supports individual well-being and organizational goals.
1 Flexible Hybrid Model
Introduce a flexible hybrid work model that allows employees to work from home for a portion of the week and come into the office for the rest.
This approach acknowledges employees' desire for flexibility while reinforcing the benefits of in-person collaboration. A hybrid model reduces the anxiety of being in the office full-time and encourages employees to gradually adjust to the office environment.
Implementation Tips:
Define a hybrid work policy outlining which days are in-office versus remote.
Allow teams to decide which structure is best for them based on their specific workflow.
Offer flexibility around peak commuting hours.
Case Study:
A mid-sized marketing agency adopted a 3-2 hybrid model where employees work three days in the office and two days remotely. This approach boosted team morale and kept creative collaboration strong.
2 Office Amenities
Upgrade the office environment by offering new amenities that create a more comfortable and engaging workspace.
Employees who’ve grown accustomed to the comforts of working from home might find a standard office space less appealing. Creating a unique office environment—through comfortable seating, quiet zones, or wellness areas—can make a big difference.
Implementation Tips:
Create collaborative zones for teamwork but also quiet spaces for focused work.
Provide wellness perks such as standing desks, gym memberships, or meditation rooms.
Offer free snacks, beverages, and casual breakout areas to make the office feel like home.
Case Study:
A tech company redesigned its office to include wellness rooms, ergonomic furniture, and a café-style break area, leading to a 25% increase in in-office attendance.
3 Address Commuting Concerns
Provide commuting assistance or incentives for employees worried about the time or cost of traveling to the office.
For many remote workers, commuting is a major barrier to returning. Offering commuting solutions can reduce this friction and show that the company cares about employee well-being.
Implementation Tips:
Offer parking subsidies or reimbursements for public transit costs.
Implement flexible start times to avoid rush hour.
Partner with ride-share services to offer discounts or company-sponsored rides.
Case Study:
A financial services firm in New York City partnered with a local transit provider to offer reduced subway fares for employees, resulting in a noticeable increase in in-office participation.
4 Boost Team-Building and Social Opportunities
Host regular in-office team-building activities, networking events, or social gatherings to foster relationships and a sense of community.
Remote work often limits the social connections that make work enjoyable. Offering opportunities to socialize in person can rekindle team spirit and encourage employees to return.
Implementation Tips:
Organize monthly social events, such as lunches, happy hours, or team-building challenges.
Encourage cross-department networking to foster collaboration across teams.
Offer casual Fridays or themed office days to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Case Study:
A consulting firm hosted a "welcome back" barbecue, creating excitement about returning to the office and fostering connections among teams that had only met virtually.
5 Offer Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Create opportunities for in-person professional development and mentorship programs.
Remote work can limit employees' access to mentorship and career development opportunities. Offering in-office training and workshops can motivate employees to return to the office while investing in personal growth.
Implementation Tips:
Schedule regular in-office leadership talks, skills workshops, or mentoring sessions.
Create “office-only” training programs that require in-person attendance.
Offer career coaching or leadership development programs in the office.
Case Study:
A healthcare company offered bi-weekly leadership training for employees returning to the office, increasing engagement by 30% among mid-level managers.
6 Ensure Clear and Transparent Communication
Communicate openly about the company's goals for the return to the office and how it benefits employees and the business.
Employees need to understand the reasoning behind the return-to-office policies. Clear, transparent communication can ease anxiety and foster trust.
Implementation Tips:
Hold regular town halls or Q&A sessions to address employee concerns.
Clearly communicate the benefits of in-office work, such as improved collaboration or faster project turnaround times.
Ensure that managers are prepared to answer questions and offer support.
Case Study:
A global advertising firm held virtual town halls to explain how a balanced in-office approach would improve client communication and lead to employee buy-in.
7 Prioritize Health and Safety
Ensure the office environment is safe, clean, and meets health guidelines.
For many employees, lingering concerns about health and safety in a post-pandemic world make them hesitant to return to the office. Prioritizing cleanliness and clear health protocols can alleviate these worries.
Implementation Tips:
Ensure regular cleaning and sanitizing of common areas.
Set up hand sanitizer stations and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) if necessary.
Encourage social distancing in open office areas.
Case Study:
A large law firm reassured employees by hiring an outside cleaning service that sanitized the office daily, resulting in a more comfortable return for many.
8 Foster a Sense of Purpose
Create a sense of purpose by tying the return to the office with larger company goals or values.
Employees who feel their work contributes to something meaningful are likelier to return to the office. A shared mission can inspire and motivate teams to be more engaged and present.
Implementation Tips:
Communicate the connection between in-office work and achieving essential business goals.
Highlight how employees' presence contributes to the company's vision and success.
Align office-based work with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives or sustainability goals.
Case Study:
A nonprofit organization motivated employees to return to the office by emphasizing how in-person collaboration would help advance their mission of supporting local communities.
9 Personalize the Experience
Tailor the return-to-office experience to the individual needs of employees.
Employees value flexibility and offering personalized solutions can help ease the transition. Understanding each employee’s unique concerns and providing individualized support shows empathy and encourages a smoother return.
Implementation Tips:
Conduct surveys to understand employee concerns and preferences.
Provide personalized solutions for work schedules, office locations, or special accommodations.
Offer one-on-one meetings with managers to address personal concerns.
Case Study:
A global consultancy allowed employees to choose their in-office schedule based on personal needs, leading to higher participation and overall job satisfaction.
10 Align Office Culture with Employee Needs
Create a culture of inclusivity, flexibility, and support in the office.
A positive and inclusive office culture can make the office feel like a place employees want to be rather than a place they are required to go.
Implementation Tips:
Foster an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued.
Encourage open communication and feedback from employees about office experiences.
Offer support for mental health, wellness, and work-life balance.
Case Study:
An entertainment company created a culture committee tasked with continuously improving the office environment based on employee feedback, which led to a significant rise in office attendance and morale.
Building a Unified Workplace
These ten strategies, from hybrid models and enhanced office amenities to prioritizing health and safety, can help ease the transition back to the office. The key to a triumphant return is balance. By addressing employee concerns and aligning office strategies with broader business goals, companies can create an environment where employees want to return—and thrive.
Now it's your turn. Consider how you can adapt these strategies to fit your organization and create a return-to-office experience that benefits your employees and your business.
