Most firms anticipate full office return once pandemic ends

While many professionals are embracing hybrid work arrangements, new research has revealed that the majority of US companies anticipate a full return to the office once the pandemic ends.

According to the survey of more than 2,800 US senior managers, carried out by talent solutions firm Robert Half, 71% said they will require their teams to be on-site full time once Covid-19-related restrictions completely end. Far fewer will allow employees to follow a hybrid schedule; where they can divide time between the office and another location (16%) or give staff the complete freedom to choose where they work (12%).

WORKERS MAY WALK

Employers should be aware of the risks of mandating a full return to the office, warns Robert Half. Previous research from the talent solutions firm revealed that nearly half of employees (49%) prefer a hybrid arrangement, and one in three professionals currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if required to be in the office five days a week, as reported. In addition, a separate survey finds 43% of workers feel much more productive when remote versus in the office.

“When it comes to hybrid work, there’s a disconnect between what managers prefer and what employees expect,” stated Robert Half’s Senior Executive Director Paul McDonald. “But in this talent-driven market, especially, companies need to prioritise their people and look to the future. Providing flexibility is a low-cost way to create a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture.”

HYBRID HURDLES

Employers cited several challenges when managing hybrid teams, pointing to the complexities of supporting a dispersed workforce long-term. They include:

• Communicating effectively with team members (22%). 
• Trusting employees to get work done (20%). 
• Gauging workloads and helping staff avoid burnout (20%). 
• Effectively recognising and rewarding employee accomplishments (20%). 
• Finding time for team development (19%).

“As a company that has embraced hybrid work, we’ve experienced some of the challenges and opportunities first-hand. It’s a moving target that requires ongoing commitment and collaboration from many teams; but the outcome of increased employee morale, productivity and retention is worth the investment,” McDonald added.

WHERE HYBRID OPPORTUNITIES WILL PREVAIL

Managers’ views about the future of hybrid work vary by city, practice area and company size, according to the research.  Boston (45%), San Francisco (38%) and Philadelphia (37%) are the most popular US cities for hybrid work in the future; as well as large organisations with 1,000 or more employees (30%). Additionally, marketing (38%) and finance managers (28%) are the most likely to favour long-term flexibility for their teams.