How to Get Remote Workers to Come Back to the Office

The steady rise of remote work has fundamentally shifted the way we work, offering unprecedented flexibility and convenience. While this transformation has undeniable benefits, business leaders should not lose sight of how valuable the physical office space can be. Sure, implementing a five-day workweek may not be for everyone, especially in 2024. However, striking a balance with a hybrid model that combines in-office and remote work can provide employees with the best of both worlds. 

To successfully implement a return-to-office policy or transition to a hybrid model, the first step is to understand what makes your employees happy. In this piece, we’ll define a return-to-office (RTO) mandate and how it could benefit your business in 2024. We’ll then discuss the critical elements of an impactful return-to-work program, including clear communication, lasting incentives, and technology implementation.

Use this guide to transform your flexible work model no matter the workplace design you have adopted.

What is a Return-to-Office Policy?

A return-to-office (RTO) policy is a mandate from business owners requiring their employees to work on-site for a certain number of days during the week. In 2024, full five-day in-office work weeks are still uncommon as business leaders and employees continue to recognize the perks of remote work, but the great migration back to the office has begun.

Many companies opt for the happy medium of the hybrid model, allowing their employees to split time between home and the office. Companies like Capital One, for example, went fully hybrid at the beginning of 2022, making Mondays and Fridays “work from anywhere” days and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays designated office days.

Why Are Return-to-Office Mandates Gaining Popularity?

We just mentioned how business owners and decision-makers widely recognize the benefits of allowing employees to work from home. So, with that knowledge, why should you even entertain a return-to-work mandate?

While remote work offers flexibility and convenience, a physical office environment naturally cultivates collaboration, creativity, and employee engagement. Certain tasks are more efficient when done in person or with convenient access to specialized equipment or shared resources. Additional benefits of office attendance include:

Increased innovation

While video conferencing is a necessary communication tool in 2024, nothing replaces the effectiveness of face-to-face brainstorming sessions. In-person collaboration sparks spontaneous idea generation, real-time feedback, and dynamic energy that can’t be replicated over Zoom or Google Meet. When teams gather physically, they can build on each other’s ideas more readily, leading to fast problem-solving and innovation for the company.

Stronger company culture

WFH workers can often feel like they’re on an island. A physical workspace encourages a sense of community and shared purpose among employees, strengthening teamwork. Shared lunches, casual conversations, and team-building activities foster a sense of belonging that is tough to replicate virtually. A strong company culture directly improves employee morale, engagement, and retention.

Improved communication and mentorship

In-person work conversations are more nuanced and lead to better understanding, especially for training on complex issues. Non-verbal cues, body language, and immediate feedback lead to richer communication, accelerating the learning curve for new employees and promoting skill development across the team.

Better productivity for certain tasks

Some work tasks are simply better suited for the office—design reviews, hands-on projects, pitch deck presentations, etc. In a shared space, teams have immediate access to specialized equipment, resources, and expertise, which can be hard to attain in a remote setting. The focused environment of an office can also minimize distractions and encourage deep work, leading to improved concentration and faster task completion.

Key Elements of an Effective Return-to-Office Policy

A successful return-to-office policy isn’t just about mandating attendance; it’s about creating an environment that employees want to be a part of. Here are the essential elements to consider:

Data-Driven Insights

First, have data-backed reasons for implementing these policies. Analyze productivity metrics, employee surveys, and industry trends to determine the optimal balance between remote and in-office work for your specific company.

Some companies can remain fully remote and thrive, and that’s okay. If you decide a return-to-work mandate is the right move for your business, relay to your remote and hybrid workers that there are practical reasons for the changes. Be open and honest with the data that is driving these decisions.

Clear Communication

Transparent communication is vital to any successful transition. Clearly articulate the reasons for the RTO policy, the expected schedule, and any new office protocols or procedures. Address employee concerns and questions openly, and provide ample notice to allow for adjustments in personal schedules and childcare arrangements.

Keep clear and constant communication with your entire employee base, especially those working remotely. You don’t want anyone to be caught off guard by your new mandate.

Incentives for Coming Into the Office

Sometimes, getting employees to come into the office just requires a little incentive. Consider the following perks to encourage employees to reconsider their work arrangements:

• Free meals and snacks. A well-stocked kitchen or catered lunches is always a good start.
• Social events and team-building activities. Hold in-office happy hours or game nights to foster camaraderie.
• Professional development opportunities. Offer in-person workshops, training sessions, or guest speakers.
• Commuting benefits. Subsidize public transportation costs, offer parking passes, or provide stipends for gas money.
• Flexible workstations. Provide a variety of work settings, including quiet zones, collaboration spaces, break rooms, and open areas.

Relevant Technology

If the technology in your work environment is more outdated than that of your employees’ homes, they’re probably not going to want to work in the office. Make sure there is no drop-off between their workstation at home and the one they’ll be using in the office. Ideally, the tools you provide in the office are more advanced, easier to use, and not easily accessible at home. Think stand-up desks, video conferencing equipment, etc. This is a great way to incentivize workers to come into the office.

Look beyond physical tools, too. Consider implementing real-time collaboration platforms for communication, document sharing, and co-editing. By providing technology that empowers employees to connect and work together effectively, regardless of their physical location, you can foster a sense of team cohesion and maintain productivity across the entire organization.

OfficeSpace: Your All-In-One Workplace Management Solution

Deciding to formulate a return-to-office policy is only the start. Next, you’ll need the information and tools to implement these changes seamlessly. That’s where OfficeSpace steps in. Our suite of workplace management tools empowers leadership teams to make informed decisions and create an office environment that employees will embrace.

• Eliminate Bad Data. OfficeSpace’s data reporting and analytics features give you a bird’s-eye view of your whole office layout, enabling you to identify areas that are over or underutilized. From here, determine whether or not to cut out some of your commercial real estate, remodel your current office, or start bringing employees back into work.
• Facilitate hybrid work. OfficeSpace’s tools remove friction from office visits. Streamline desk booking, room reservations, and attendance tracking for a smooth return-to-office experience.
• Save money. Focus on the issues that matter most to company initiatives. Automate manual processes, reduce administrative overhead, and optimize space utilization to cut costs and boost efficiency.
• Employee-centric design. Monitor the usage of collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, cubicles, and other areas of your office to see what your work environment lacks. By knowing how your employees work, you can build an office space that is catered to those who matter most.

Ready to create and customize your own return-to-office mandate? Learn more about how OfficeSpace can help ease this process.