Back to Work: 6 Tips On Shifting From Remote To IRL Or Hybrid
More businesses are requiring employees to be back in the office or continue with a hybrid model. (Getty Images)
Now that the pandemic is officially over—in spite of spiking cases nationwide— many leaders are calling for a return to the physical office.
“Now that the #pandemic is officially over—in spite of spiking cases nationwide— many leaders are calling for a return to the physical office. #hybridwork #workplaceculture ”
Farmers Group CEO Raul Vargas recently mandated everyone be back in the office because it breeds creativity, camaraderie, and collegiality.
According to Business Insider, “The CEOs of Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan have said remote work is a solution for some, but not all, and larger companies like Disney and Starbucks have recently updated their requirements for employees to work in offices at least a few days per week.”
CNBC reports, “A whopping 90% of companies plan to implement return-to-office policies by the end of 2024, according to an Aug. report from Resume Builder, which surveyed 1,000 company leaders. Nearly 30% say their company will threaten to fire employees who don’t comply with in-office requirements.”
According to a new study from Kastle Systems, office occupancy reached 50.3% of pre-pandemic levels in 10 U.S. cities for the first time since early the start of COVID in 2020. The cities with the highest occupancy rates are Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas.
“According to a new study from @KastleSystems, office occupancy reached 50.3% of pre-pandemic levels in 10 U.S. cities for the first time since early the start of COVID in 2020. #workforce #backinoffice”
Office occupancy was 100% in early 2020, the report shows.
Some workers are managing to retain a partially remote schedule. A new Working from Home Around the Globe: 2023 Report shows that around the world, most workers spend at least half a day to one day a week working remotely. So how to best make the shift if you must?
Be flexible. Work on meeting compliance with new in-office rules, but look to negotiate some remote work possibilities. Offer to attend in-person meetings by Zoom and respond to emails and correspondence throughout the workday.
“Be flexible. Work on meeting compliance with new in-office rules, but look to negotiate some #remotework possibilities. #workadvice”
Neshica Bheem, Founder and Director of Coachfluence tells Forbes, “Misconceptions about women leaders, particularly those with families, often revolve around perceptions of them having divided focus and conflicting loyalties. Despite these stereotypes, numerous examples exist of women leaders effectively harmonizing their responsibilities. By championing equal opportunities and fostering supportive work environments for all, we can work towards dismantling such biases.”
Make a case for productivity at home. According to Integrated Benefits Institute, “An IBI study in 2022 found that remote and hybrid employees are 22% more productive, 21% more satisfied, and 51% more highly engaged.” Communicate to leadership how you prefer a hybrid model.
Read more in Take The Lead on remote work
Maintain your work/life balance. Even as you may need to return to the office, make sure you set boundaries for yourself. You may have a physical commute, but you still need to separate. According to SHRM, “Many counter that working remotely allows them to achieve better work/life balance as they manage childcare and elder care issues; saves them money not spent on commuting and office attire; helps offset what some perceive as lower pay or a lack of career advancement; and allows them to get more tasks accomplished each day. A recent Microsoft survey found that 52 percent of employees want to work hybrid or remotely for the rest of their careers.”
“Maintain your #worklife balance. Even as you may need to return to the office, make sure you set #boundaries for yourself. You may have a physical commute, but you still need to separate. ”
Read more in Take The Lead on life balance
Stay positive. While many enjoy the flexibility for remote and hybrid work, some find working from home isolating. Be sure to practice self-care and pay attention to your mental health needs. Communicate to colleagues and leadership about what your needs may be.
Ask for perks. If they want you back, ask for new amenities. According to Globe Street, “Employers are trying to sweeten the reason to return to office by subsidizing employees’ parking or paying for it altogether. Some give 90 days of free parking followed by discounted parking rates. Some are offering 90 days of free lunch. Flexible schedules, complimentary shuttles from public transportation, commuting subsidies, enabling bike and scooter parking, and even pilot programs that provide autonomous taxis are other perks.”
Explore other possibilities. Now may be the time to try out some side hustle possibilities and explore the world of entrepreneurship. There are several possibilities for a small business loan. According to Small Biz Trends, “In entrepreneurship, women have steadily made their mark, steering businesses towards success with determination and vision. Yet, they often encounter distinctive challenges in the business world. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just exploring business ideas for women, access to financing can help your venture succeed.”
“Explore other possibilities. Now may be the time to try out some #sidehustle possibilities and explore the world of #entrepreneurship.”
Read more in Take The Lead on women in entrepreneurship
Some are reporting that their company leadership are maintaining the status quo and accommodating employees’ wishes for in person, remote or hybrid work.
“Some are reporting that their company #leadership are maintaining the status quo and accommodating employees’ wishes for in person, remote or #hybrid work. ”
“Just 2 percent of respondents said their company never plans to require employees to work in person, a survey of 1,000 company decision-makers found. About 51 percent of employers currently require some or all employees to work in person, while 39 percent plan to by the end of 2024 and 8 percent plan to by 2025 or later,” reports SHRM.
Read more in Take The Lead on remote work
According to new data from Team Blind, that surveys remote, hybrid and in-office work, “887 companies and 24.9M employees are now returning to the office, as of 09/25/23.” The breakdown is this: with 1-2 days per week in-office: 322 companies and 7.9M employees. For 3-4 days per week in-office: 407 companies and 14.0M employees, and for 5 days per week in-office: 82 companies and 1.3M employees. According to the report, 351 companies are fully remote.
As always, decide what is best for you and your lifestyle.
Leadership Takeaway of The Week:
“By championing equal opportunities and fostering supportive work environments for all, we can work towards dismantling...biases. - Neshica Bheem, Founder and Director Coachfluence
