Office or remodel: what's better for employees?
Covid-19 turned the working reality upside down - we were getting used to the remote work format, but even after the pandemic ended, not everyone was ready to return to the office. In 2024, on the contrary, this trend returned and there were more calls to work in the office.
Working from home used to seem like something very strange and unusual, but external realities are changing and we are used to remotes, online calls, and solving all issues in a few clicks. Because of this, not everyone was ready to return to the office. Instead, employers are now increasingly encouraging employees to work offline or combine both options.
How does the work format affect employee engagement?
Engagement is a personal overall state of being at work and in the workplace that influences your colleagues' motivation to work better for the business and be more proactive. Gallup research has shown that more engaged employees have better well-being, higher productivity, and stay longer with the company.
For Ukraine, this figure reached 20%. link to the map
Employers notice that those who work completely remotely feel and understand the mission and values of the business less. While those who periodically see their colleagues in person are more involved in the life of the company and its corporate culture.
What are the advantages of visiting the office?
- Communication
People are always happy to unwind, talk in the kitchen over a cup of coffee, do a joint BeReal, or just chat in person. Of course, good relationships can be built online, but meeting in person has a more positive impact.
- Optimization of resources
When a conversation with a colleague at the next table replaces a long message or letter, it is an optimization of time and shared resources. Remember how often you've read a message and perceived it in a completely different way than you intended? And how many great ideas can arise "over coffee"?
What are the disadvantages of visiting the office?
Working in an office affects mental health: we are distracted a lot, there is no constant personal space (especially in open spaces), inconvenient schedule, etc. Also, many people say that sometimes they feel uncomfortable among a large group of people, and this also adds to their anxiety. And all of this can lead to burnout and stress.
Let's also pay attention to the mobility factor. Morning traffic jams, an hour on the road, and here we are in the office. It's unlikely that after such a morning you want to work productively. Instead, we will use this time to complete tasks or other needs at the repair shop.
So what about a hybrid format?
It seems like a good compromise solution. This way, your colleagues can organize their own schedule and workspace, support the corporate culture by attending team building events or doing things together, and most importantly, control the balance of communication and have a sense of involvement.
But when looking for the perfect place to work, it is also important to consider the specifics of the job and the attitude of your colleagues. Companies that are ready to quickly adapt to new realities and meet the needs of their employees will have high loyalty to you as an employer and will be able to keep their colleagues motivated.
So, be prepared for a dialog and a search for balance in this matter.
