A recent survey of over 1,000 employees has concluded that on the whole, employees are not happy about returning to the workplace*. They overwhelmingly would not be happy to return to the office full time in the future and would much prefer a hybrid model. The reason is simple, the majority felt that they were more productive working from home and that they regained more control of the ‘work-life-balance’. They felt that they performed better for their employer when working in a less-distracted, more-focused environment.

How Does This Effect Businesses?

In essence, it doesn’t, because over 40% of employees under 35 have also conceded that they need to be seen to be progressed and to advance their career, despite over 50% not wanting to*. A term that is becoming known as ‘Presenteeism’. Due to this, the FOMO effect means that the more ambitious see a return as a regrettable, but essential part of their career development.

Most companies within marketing (and outside of it) now have their staff back on a rotational basis with many (such as Ascential plc) having sold a number of their original office locations accordingly. Many businesses now look toward the 2-2-1 model, whereby staff can work from home for 2 days, attend the office for 2 days and then have the last day as an individuals choice or for external meetings. Long gone are the days where every staff member needs their own desk and seat, 5 days a week.

Will Employees Revolt?

Well, that depends on the individual and perhaps therein lies the solution. Individuals. Happy staff are productive staff and are loyal staff. No two people are the same and so the more-savvy businesses leaders are considering whether a ‘one size fits all’ enforcement is really worth the aggro. If performance is the ultimate goal and this is being delivered, does it matter?

By Chris Zachary
CEO, ZBusiness Limited
*Source – unleash.io