Just 30% firms to embrace full return-to-office post-pandemic

Only 30% of companies plan to embrace the full return-to-office model post-pandemic, according to the latest findings from Forrester Research.

While many business leaders are drawn to vaccine passports as a solution to bring their workforces back to the office full-time; Forrester has predicted that 70% of US and European companies will pivot to a hybrid work model post-pandemic. In a hybrid model setup, at least some employees can work anywhere they want for two or more days a week; while coming into the office on the remaining workdays. 

The research shows that companies that master this opportunity will accrue both employee experience and business benefits; including higher retention rates and long-term recruitment advantages.

According to the study, 55% of US employees say they hope to work from home more often; even after the pandemic ends. Additionally, leaders need to consider overall employee sentiment toward vaccination when planning return-to-office strategies. The research also revealed that: 

• 47% of US workers and 54% of European workers believe vaccines will not completely stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 
• Only 39% of US workers and 34% of European workers feel that their employers have a plan in place to provide vaccination. 
• Two-thirds of workers in both regions are not comfortable with employers collecting their personal data specific to the pandemic.

‘ANYWHERE-WORK’ SKEPTICISM

Some CEOs however, from firms such as Netflix, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, view the ‘anywhere-work model’ with skepticism; and have indicated publicly that they want their employees to return to their respective offices when it’s safe. However, the ‘anywhere-work model’ is now imperative for higher-value talent, according to the research. 

To successfully implement this model, companies must assess specific anywhere-work readiness elements to determine preparedness, noted the study. They must also consider refreshing their office spaces, including reconceptualising desk usage to support hybrid work. Forrester’s anywhere-work readiness calculator can help companies pursue the benefits of anywhere-work; and design an action plan based on their readiness, said the company. The calculator assesses several company factors, including the percentage of employees who can potentially work remotely; and how technologies stack up in terms of collaboration and security. It can also help firms invest in and provide technological, cultural and leadership resources to support work from any location.

“The pandemic has taught us that organisations play a bigger role in employee wellness than previously understood,” stated Keith Johnston, VP and Group Research Director at Forrester. “It also reveals how the future of work will be driven by employees having the ability to work anywhere. By shifting conversations to focus on the working environments that best suit employees’ needs moving forward, organisations can ensure that their employees feel they are being heard; and that they have the autonomy and tools to do their jobs effectively.”

Research from Randstad’s latest Workmonitor has also revealed that the majority of workers want to go back to the workplace; and are willing to be vaccinated if it’s required by their employer. Click here to read more.