The 2020 pandemic heralded a new age of remote jobs and hybrid schedules. Yet, with companies implementing return-to-office policies, the market seems to be shifting again. 

Navigating the complexities of post-pandemic realities, organizations are reimagining their return-to-office policies to foster a balance between employee wellbeing, operational efficiency and the changing dynamics of the modern workplace.

In this article, we’ll explore the various ways that companies are trying to push their workforce back into the office, why employers are prioritizing in-office work over remote work and what employees are doing to navigate these new return-to-office policies. Additionally, we’ll present a couple suggestions for how you can adapt to these new policies.

The dawn of return-to-office

Return-to-office is the move away from virtual roles towards traditional, physical work environments. This transition is evident in the latest job postings, with the number of remote roles dropping to pre-pandemic levels in industries that previously relied on working from home. 

How companies are implementing return-to-office policies

So why are office-based jobs on the rise? According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, it’s because 50% of leaders want their workers back in person full-time. To enforce this, they’re implementing return-to-office policies. What these policies look like will vary depending on the leader and company culture. 

• At one well-known company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of electric vehicles, employees who don’t adhere to its mandatory return-to-office policy are threatened with forced resignations.
• IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, warns that those who don’t show up might miss out on promotions. 
• Other companies prefer using positive reinforcement to encourage attendance. These tactics range from celebrity performances to free food. 

Generally, it appears that companies are leaning towards a hybrid arrangement with policies that only mandate attendance a certain number of days per week. This might be a blanket rule for all employees, or it can depend on proximity to the office.

At Redfin headquarters, those who live within 20 miles are expected to come in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For industry leaders, this introduction of hybrid schedules could be the first step to getting back to a five-day workweek. 

Pros and cons of return-to-office policies

According to recent research from Indeed, it’s getting harder to find off-site jobs. As companies shift from remote to on-site settings, leaders and employees alike are re-evaluating what constitutes an effective and satisfying work environment. 

Speaking to CNBC, Elon Musk made his views on remote workers clear, saying that they’re living in “la la land.”  

But during another conversation with the same news channel, Sujan Parajuli—who was formerly employed by the largest bank in the United States—recounted his reaction to when his former employer asked him to move cross-country from California to Texas so he could work in person. He quit and found a remote job with Leidos instead. 

Likewise, Matt Conrad—a senior sales enablement specialist at IBM—wholeheartedly supports remote working. He reminisced fondly of his time using national parks as an office, stating that employees should be allowed to work anywhere that gives them a sense of excitement. 

Although it’s no national park, going back to the office can still benefit you by providing: 

• Increased connection: If the pandemic taught us one lesson, it’s that virtual coffee dates and team-building sessions over Zoom just aren’t as good as the real thing. A physical workspace gives you better opportunities for human connection, leading to higher levels of engagement, more stimulating conversations and an easier time building office friendships.
• Better collaboration: If your job includes complex team projects, you may find working on-site a breath of fresh air after the usual virtual meetings. If everyone is present and available at a moment’s notice, they can exchange ideas in real-time and make collective decisions faster.

That said, going back to an office-based role may also disadvantage employees:

• Decreased autonomy: When your home is your office, you get to decide what your workspace looks like and how you manage your tasks. Depending on your personality, you may find it demotivating to give up this sense of control. 
• Environmental impact: Return-to-office also means a return to commuting. When the number of people traveling to work spikes, especially if they’re using a private vehicle, this can worsen the city’s air quality and increase traffic congestion. 

Why some employees are pushing back

Some employees like Parajuli outright refuse to transition back to a traditional work environment. Their reasons can be complex and diverse. In the case of Parajuli, it was the summons to move him and his family cross-country that pushed him to leave. 

Other employees may find it too overwhelming to manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare, if working on-site.

Further reasons include the added expenses of commuting like gas or public transport. Then, there’s also the temptation to buy lunch and coffee.

Additionally, employees may reject the office because they’re dissatisfied with the environment itself. Compared to home, they might find it uninspiring or unsuitable due to outdated technology, an uncomfortable workspace or a lack of privacy. 

What the average American thinks

Although company leaders seem to agree on the importance of in-person work, their employees are more divided. While flexibility is still a priority, job candidates are becoming increasingly receptive to the idea of office-based roles. Some even welcome the shift away from remote work.

One such person is Erika Minoshima, an intern at the United Nations from Utah. She finds that working in the office allows her to have higher-quality interactions with her supervisors and colleagues. Referencing the importance of non-verbal communication, Erika enjoys accessing the social cues and body language she feels is often missing in virtual settings. 

“[According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian, the creator behind Mehrabian’s Communication Model,] up to 93% of communication is non-verbal, which is why it’s so important to return to work in person,” said Minoshima.

Although a physical space offers more opportunities for personal interaction, not everyone is convinced. Sam, a banker based in Nevada who’s in the office full-time, would gladly welcome the chance to work remotely. “It would be nice not to put on a full suit every day,” Sam said. “It’s just so much better for me to be at home.”

He talks of the time wasted on daily commutes and money spent on lunches and gas. Instead, working from home would allow him to complete house chores like “mowing the lawn or doing laundry” during breaks and cook more meals for himself.