Should you require your employees to return to the office, or should you let them work from home indefinitely? Many business owners are currently weighing the pros and cons of a fully in-office workforce versus a flexible team that works remotely. In this blog post, we explore some of these pros and cons and the potential impacts on a business.
Why You Should Build an In-Office Culture
An in-office culture most closely aligns with the ways humans build social relationships. While humans can adapt to nearly any situation, most people communicate best with one another in person.
An in-office culture also provides a central place to focus on work, with all the necessary resources for that work available at hand. Your employees can shut out the rest of the world while they’re at work. Many people prefer to divide their time and attention in this way.
To build a strong in-office culture as part of a requirement to return to the office, set clear boundaries around work and home time. Give your teams the resources and support they need to do work at work – and to leave work in the office at the end of the day.
Why You Should Stick With Remote Work
Worker surveys nationwide tell the same story: Workers who can do their jobs remotely are happier and healthier.
Both of these factors offer significant benefits for employers. Happier workers are more productive and less likely to leave the company looking for greener pastures. Healthier workers also tend to be more productive, and they rely less heavily on workplace health plans, helping to conserve costs.
Meanwhile, return-to-work demands immediately make workers wary – especially if they’ve already been working remotely for a few years. New positions with employers that offer remote work are easy to find. When faced with the decision to return to the office or find a new job, many workers prefer the latter.
Need help building a strong team with a cohesive culture?
Get in touch with the team at Odell Studner today. We specialize in helping businesses create the workforces and cultures they need to succeed in today’s business world.
