In recent months especially, we’ve seen shifts in the workplace towards employees returning to the office. As the pandemic recedes into the rear-view mirror, companies are engaging in return to workplace initiatives. That said, in the effort to attract and retain employees, companies are still focusing on a hybrid-style environment that enables flexibility for their staff.

Our partners at Haworth® recently conducted a study about the shift towards more office presence for employees, with companies still allowing for a percentage of remote work. They found that while employees are spending more time in the office, hybrid work appears to be here to stay.

Hybrid Work’s Impact On Employers and Staff

Haworth’s study found that hybrid work impacts companies and their employees in multiple ways:

• Employee Experience. Employees have a variety of reasons to want or need remote work, and organizations need to find a balance to attract and keep top talent. As a result, many organizations are redesigning office spaces with an eye towards more collaboration and better productivity. In turn, there are more opportunities for hybrid employees to be engaged.
• Organizational Culture. With many employers today, hybrid work has become ingrained. Companies are looking for new ways to engage employees wherever they are. In this vein, companies are focusing on outcome and results, while helping employees with their own needs. Companies will also be adjusting to space requirements in the workplace.
• Society, Lifestyle, and Real Estate. Cultural norms and inclusivity have shifted based on social dynamics. People are making decisions where to work based on work/life balance and family needs. Hybrid work also enables less commuting, and changes to commercial real estate footprints.
• Flexibility. One size doesn’t fit all with employees, and companies are better off when they can adjust to the unique needs of their workforce. Many companies are developing models that enable remote work, while still encouraging spending time in the office for collaboration.
• The Workplace Future. Employees today have become accustomed to hybrid work, and are showing a stronger preference towards the flexibility it offers. Companies are best served by fostering a culture and best practices that enhance productivity in this new environment.

The Need For Returning To The Office

All of that said, there are reasons for employers to encourage staff to spend time in the office in addition to working remotely. Some of these reasons include:

• Culture and Collaboration. Hybrid work often creates a disconnect in the workplace, especially between leaders and staff. Being physically present in the office creates more interaction, even if it’s just “water cooler moments”. Socialization helps to improve morale, and many employees prefer in-person collaboration to Zoom calls.
• Maximizing Workspace Potential. As companies spend considerable time and resources on remaking offices, they’ll want to utilize that investment. The result has been a decrease in individual spaces, and more collaborative areas. These spaces help to enhance creativity and connection among staff.
• Building Trust. Trust among employees and employers is important. It has a significant impact on productivity. With more in-person interaction, employees have opportunities for learning, collaboration and career development. This works both ways; employees feel empowered, while leaders support flexibility and maintain visibility.

Adjusting to the hybrid work environment is an ongoing challenge for employers today. As companies become aware of the elements that drive acquiring top talent and enhancing productivity, they create an environment where everyone thrives.

Are You In Need Of A Workspace Reorganization?

If you’re an employer in greater Philadelphia or South Jersey who needs to adapt their workspace to a hybrid environment, or are looking to maximize your office space in other ways, Bellia Interiors Group can help. We offer real and effective solutions for all of your office space improvement needs, and we deliver results that create a true return on your investment.

Click here to request your free work and space evaluation today.