Businesses of all sizes have expressed an interest in getting back to in-office work in 2024; 90% of companies said they would return to the office by year’s end. Amazon recently announced that all employees must return to their respective offices full-time early in 2025. Many workers are already required to come in at least three days per week.
Should your small business follow suit? To be sure, here’s a look at the benefits of getting everyone back to a centralized workspace. You’ll also learn about a few barriers that you may encounter along the way.
The Challenges of In-Office Work
A shift back to in-office work can present some challenges for your business. You may be especially concerned if you’ve used remote and hybrid offerings as a way to boost your employee benefits package. The biggest hurdles are logistics and change resistance.
People who live outside of commuting distance will be particularly opposed to coming back into the office. Hybrid workers won’t put up as much of an argument about it. But you still need to highlight how a return to work benefits them.
You may also realize that your office situation falls short of team needs. Consider how much money you’ll need to spend on equipment and office furniture before bringing everyone back to the facility. You want employees to feel comfortable and well-equipped so that the transition goes smoothly.
Why Your Small Business Should Get Everyone Back to the Office
Don’t let the hurdles discourage you from considering an RTO policy. The benefits of getting everyone back under one roof greatly outweigh any downsides. Once you bring your team back to the office, you’ll be able to:
Get More Done
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy believes that productivity and collaboration are stronger when employees work together in person. Many business leaders share these feelings and are using the idea to support their RTO policies.
In his message to Amazon employees on September 16, 2024, Jassy emphasized that effective collaboration plays a key role in the company’s long-term vision. He said, “You need to be joined at the hip with your teammates when inventing and solving hard problems.”
You depend on every member of your team contributing actively to both day-to-day tasks and long-term projects. In-office work allows for more face-to-face interactions, which can foster quicker decision-making and stronger team dynamics.
Create a Great Culture That Everyone Wants to Be Part Of
Remote work can leave people feeling disconnected from the business. Are you really surprised to hear that? It’s tough to feel like a part of a team when you never see or interact with other team members.
Why do people like working for small businesses? Company culture is usually one of the key selling points. You need to cultivate a positive office environment to encourage everyone to come back to work. Make being part of the team fun and exciting. Ensure everyone feels welcome and respected so they enjoy being there.
Capitalize on the Shift in Power
During the Great Resignation, it felt like employees held all the cards. They enjoyed more negotiating power and could easily jump ship in hopes of finding a flexible job that aligned with their preferences.
Nationwide return-to-office policies are turning the tide back in your favor. The labor market has tightened up. You’ll be able to attract top talent even if you decide to ditch remote work offerings.
If you lack the infrastructure to support a fully remote workforce, don’t worry about it. Focus on creating a great office environment that people will enjoy being a part of.
Make the Most of Your Business Spending Habits
Maintaining a hybrid workforce that includes both in-office and 100% remote workers can be inefficient. You have invested in office space and equipment to ensure your team has the tools they need to thrive. A large chunk of your money will be wasted if many employees aren’t even showing up to the office you are paying for.
A return-to-work policy ensures you will get the most out of your facility and equipment investments. It’s also a great way to ensure team members have access to the resources they need to be productive.
Need Help Choosing the Best Path Forward? Connect With Focus HR
Focus HR delivers personalized HR consulting solutions and can evaluate your company’s unique market positioning to determine whether a hybrid or traditional in-office arrangement will work best. Schedule a consultation, and let’s chat about your return-to-office plans.
