The challenge of returning to the office

29 January 2023

As hybrid and remote work arrangements become more popular, business leaders are facing the challenge of encouraging employees to return to the office. While many workers appreciate the flexibility of working from home, there are strategies that can make office work more appealing and beneficial for both employees and organisations.

Strategies to make office work appealing

In a recent discussion on the AGSM Business of Leadership podcast, Professor Nick Wailes, Paul Edwards from Mirvac, and Professor Karin Sanders, Director of the Business Insights Institute, explored how to create work environments that meet the evolving needs of employees. Here are five key strategies they discussed:

• Understand what employees want: Regularly check in with employees to understand their needs and preferences. It’s crucial to involve them in the conversation about how hybrid work should be structured. “We are in a kind of experiment,” says Professor Sanders, emphasizing the importance of bottom-up collaboration.
• Create a seamless office experience: Simplify the office experience by removing friction points. This could involve implementing touchless technology and creating flexible spaces that cater to different work styles. “How do we make sure that we’ve earned the commute of our customers and their employees?” asks Paul Edwards.
• Prioritize human connections: Office spaces should be designed to support social interactions and collaboration. These connections are vital for creativity and problem-solving, making the office a place where people want to be.
• Offer meaningful perks: Consider providing services like childcare or vacation care that address employees’ real-life challenges. This can make the office more attractive and help ease the pressures of rising living costs.
• Move away from micromanagement: Leaders should focus on outcomes rather than monitoring employees’ physical presence. The shift to hybrid work requires a different management approach that emphasizes trust and clear communication.

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