Companies are making headlines with in-office work demands and employees are pushing back. As the workforce continues to evolve, so do the structures and models of how companies operate. Traditional office based setups have been challenged by the rise of remote work, accelerated by technological advancements and the global pandemic. With arguments for both sides dominating the news, the solution to the ideal post-pandemic work setting is not black and white.
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that before the pandemic, between 9.7% and 10.7% of all workers did some teleworking, with full-time telework at a much lower rate. By October of 2020 that number increased to 71%. Four years after the start of the pandemic, the numbers have leveled out to a normal range more aligned with pre-pandemic numbers.
As companies shifted to remote work in 2020, employees felt they could create a better work-life balance. Eliminating commutes, increasing task productivity due to fewer interruptions, and flexibility to make doctor appointments during the day were viewed as perks by employees when working from home. Remote work gave employees the ability to live near family or in locations with affordable housing options. Technology has made remote work more of a reality, lending to the argument of employees going to the office, only to hop on Microsoft Teams and work in the same manner they do when working remotely.
Some argue for company culture and productivity as a reason for in-office work, while some say they are more productive away from the office, remote work can lead to a feeling of isolation. A study done by Asana Labs discovered workplace fun was found in problem-solving, brainstorming sessions, and spontaneous collaborations, and less so in ping pong tables and free snacks. In-office work lends to coworkers collaborating and quick problem-solving. The Asana Lab’s results align with arguments by employees stating they don’t mind going to the office, as long as it’s productive.
While technology allows companies to work remotely, being in the office fosters clearer communication, as face-to-face interactions allow for immediate feedback and clarification, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. With the work life balance a topic of discussion, the structured environment of the office can help employees establish a healthy work-life balance by delineating boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal life.
With the solution not being one size fits all, hybrid work models appear to be a good solution. How that plays out is still being determined as companies make the adjustments. Employers' top priorities have shifted with the evolving workplace demands. Striking the right balance of employee happiness and what’s best for the company, is nuanced as every industry and company is different.
While some companies need employees in the same room for brainstorming, problem-solving solving, and project management, others are operating fully remotely with no plans to return to the office. However, one common thread in the argument is employees desiring the flexibility to work and manage life whether in the office or from home. Employees are looking for employers who value their time and efforts with less emphasis on hours at a desk. Finding the right balance will look different, but we believe we will continue to see shifts in the traditional Monday to Friday office jobs.
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that before the pandemic, between 9.7% and 10.7% of all workers did some teleworking, with full-time telework at a much lower rate. By October of 2020 that number increased to 71%. Four years after the start of the pandemic, the numbers have leveled out to a normal range more aligned with pre-pandemic numbers.
As companies shifted to remote work in 2020, employees felt they could create a better work-life balance. Eliminating commutes, increasing task productivity due to fewer interruptions, and flexibility to make doctor appointments during the day were viewed as perks by employees when working from home. Remote work gave employees the ability to live near family or in locations with affordable housing options. Technology has made remote work more of a reality, lending to the argument of employees going to the office, only to hop on Microsoft Teams and work in the same manner they do when working remotely.
Some argue for company culture and productivity as a reason for in-office work, while some say they are more productive away from the office, remote work can lead to a feeling of isolation. A study done by Asana Labs discovered workplace fun was found in problem-solving, brainstorming sessions, and spontaneous collaborations, and less so in ping pong tables and free snacks. In-office work lends to coworkers collaborating and quick problem-solving. The Asana Lab’s results align with arguments by employees stating they don’t mind going to the office, as long as it’s productive.
While technology allows companies to work remotely, being in the office fosters clearer communication, as face-to-face interactions allow for immediate feedback and clarification, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. With the work life balance a topic of discussion, the structured environment of the office can help employees establish a healthy work-life balance by delineating boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal life.
With the solution not being one size fits all, hybrid work models appear to be a good solution. How that plays out is still being determined as companies make the adjustments. Employers' top priorities have shifted with the evolving workplace demands. Striking the right balance of employee happiness and what’s best for the company, is nuanced as every industry and company is different.
While some companies need employees in the same room for brainstorming, problem-solving solving, and project management, others are operating fully remotely with no plans to return to the office. However, one common thread in the argument is employees desiring the flexibility to work and manage life whether in the office or from home. Employees are looking for employers who value their time and efforts with less emphasis on hours at a desk. Finding the right balance will look different, but we believe we will continue to see shifts in the traditional Monday to Friday office jobs.
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