In the wake of a post-pandemic world, flexibility has emerged as a cornerstone of modern employment. And more and more we are seeing companies announce to their employees that being onsite will again become a requirement, and the majority of employees are not loving the news. While the abrupt need to adapt to working at home in 2020 was challenging (to say the least) for some, over the years most employees found a rhythm that they found to be beneficial to the ever elusive work/life balance, making going back onsite seems like less of an option for many. In a September 28, 2023 Fortune magazine article, employees are now pushing back on these policies, making it less likely that a blanket “return to work” policy is going to be accepted by the majority of the workforce.
So what is the solution? We believe that allowing employees the option to choose their work location (assuming their role can be done remotely)—be it in-office, remote, or a hybrid model—offers a myriad of advantages for both employers and their teams. While face-to-face time will always be invaluable for any business, offering the employee flexibility that still effectively supports the business can be a huge win for any employer. Hear us out:
Healthier Work/Life Balance: Employees gain the autonomy to structure their workday around personal commitments, reducing stress and burnout. This balance leads to increased job satisfaction and a greater sense of well-being, which, in turn, boosts overall productivity.
Increased Diversity and Inclusivity in the Overall Organization: By removing geographical barriers, companies can tap into talent from various regions, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity enriches the organizational culture and leads to more innovative problem-solving, as employees bring unique experiences and viewpoints to the table.
Environmental Sustainability: With fewer employees commuting daily to a centralized office, there's a reduction in carbon emissions and a decrease in traffic congestion, among other advantages. This not only aligns with many corporate social responsibility initiatives but also reflects positively on the company's reputation and brand image.
Decreased Overhead: Companies have found that the ability to shift the previous budgets for office space, utilities, stocked kitchens, commuter costs, security, etc with previous onsite traditional workspaces to being able to truly invest in the product and also the individuals (trainings, technology, coaching, etc.) producing the products and accelerated the rate in which the company could realize overall goals.
Enhanced Recruitment Efforts: In a competitive job market, offering the option to work from different locations provides a powerful incentive for prospective employees. It widens the talent pool, allowing employers to attract top-notch candidates who may have been previously restricted by geographical constraints.
Building a Culture of Trust and Autonomy: When employers demonstrate confidence in their employees' ability to manage their workload from different locations, it strengthens the employer-employee relationship. This trust leads to increased morale, as employees feel valued and empowered to take ownership of their work. Will some people take advantage of this arrangement? Probably. And yet empowering your managers to monitor and coach their team (and providing an HR resource to help managers if they uncover anything going sideways here) is key.
Offering flexible work locations is a win-win for employers and employees alike. By prioritizing flexibility, organizations can adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of their workforce, ultimately driving greater productivity and success.