The post-pandemic surge to hybrid working has had its prime place in the news and according to the Office for National Statistics, 25% of working adults in the UK now follow a hybrid work model. Many businesses have adjusted to hybrid working by adopting smaller offices to cut costs on underutilised workspaces.
Recently, however, the headlines have shifted to finger-pointing at corporate giants such as Amazon, JP Morgan and Google demanding for their employees to return to the office, five days a week, due to concerns over declining productivity. Some leaders argue that productivity suffers in a hybrid environment, while others believe it can be just as effective if implemented correctly.
Is RTO mandate inevitable?
Whichever camp you fall into, an RTO mandate may be inevitable for your organisation. If it’s imminent, we’d like to offer advice that will save you from pitfalls such as Amazon’s return to office falling short of… desks! After all, working seamlessly with our customers is part of our ethos.
We hope our eight suggestions will be helpful in breaking down barriers to your own RTO mandate.
1. Define the Business Rationale for RTO
Before implementing an RTO mandate, clearly articulate the business objectives behind the decision. Whether the goal is to enhance collaboration, improve culture, or boost productivity, employees need to understand the ‘why’ behind the shift. A transparent, well-communicated strategy will foster alignment, reduce resistance and cut costs of expensive kit you may not need.
2. Align Office Space with Workforce Needs
We know that many businesses downsized office spaces in response to hybrid work. A successful RTO strategy must ensure that physical workspaces accommodate returning employees. Conduct occupancy assessments and adjust layouts, desk allocations and meeting spaces accordingly to prevent logistical failures. At Sussex Facilities Management, we are well-versed in capacity calculations for the best use of your space.
3. Implement a Phased Transition
Rather than enforcing an immediate five-day return, consider a phased approach. Starting with two or three in-office days allows leadership to evaluate space utilisation, employee engagement and overall effectiveness before committing to a full-time return. In addition, a phased transition will enable your facilities management company to iron out any issues with only a few people attending your workplace at any one time, ready for the full RTO implementation.
4. Enhance the Employee Experience
Returning to the office should be a value-add for employees, not an inconvenience. Providing well-designed workspaces, collaborative zones and amenities will make in-office work more productive and appealing. Connect with your employees through the design of stunning spaces where their needs are fully met.
This means thinking beyond desks. Consider corporate wellness initiatives, social engagement and technology upgrades which is likely to make the return to the office more attractive. The latest project with our client Avalara shows just how powerful a well-thought-out workspace design can be; we injected nature, light and colour into their office design.
Embracing biophilic design involves incorporating elements of nature into office design to connect your staff with the natural world. Research shows that biophilic design can improve productivity by 6% and creativity by 15% (Human Spaces Research).
5. Gather and Act on Employee Feedback
We know that successful RTO mandates are shaped by employee input. Conducting regular surveys to gather concerns from employees will ensure that your workforce feels heard supporting your staff buy-in to be fully office-based. Feedback on workplaces is also crucial in creating optimised spaces, your staff are your biggest advocates, consider their views.
6. Offer Flexibility Where Possible
Rigid, blanket policies may result in disengagement and talent loss. Consider hybrid-friendly solutions, such as flexible start times, core office hours, or remote work allowances for certain roles. Also, think about utilising local transport links and pay consideration to your parking space limitations.
7. Ensure Leadership Presence and Engagement
Leaders should model the return-to-office initiative by being present and engaged. If executives and managers continue working remotely while requiring employees to return, credibility and morale could suffer. Their participation reinforces the value of in-person work.
8. Continuously Measure, Adapt and Improve
RTO mandates should be agile and adaptable. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like retention rates and employee engagement to assess effectiveness – we can offer support if your office space needs adjusting.
Contact Us Today
Ready to plan your return to the office process and ensure it goes like clockwork? Call our team on 01444 812 171 or email us at office@sussexfacilities.co.uk to discuss your workspace needs and let Sussex Facilities Management assist during your RTO process.
Workplace services and our client case studies can be found here.
