The remote work norm and rise of coworking spaces might leave you stranded on the decision of working from home or in the office. Many companies are gradually encouraging their employees to return to the office in an effort to promote an in-person work culture. Is it finally time to switch out those sweatpants for actual work pants?
Being in the office creates opportunities for face-to-face interactions, organic discussions, and meaningful conversations. This will increase employee engagement in your workplace! A shared workspace allows employees to experience a sense of belonging and pride, as everyone around you is working towards a common purpose and goal. A higher employee engagement also means better performance, since it fosters team spirit and commitment!
Working remotely often results in lower work efficiency due to the comfort of your own home. Sometimes, the physical difference between your home and your workplace is exactly what sets apart your performance. Not only does the office provide a less distracting and structured workspace, it offers employees access to resources, technologies, and tools that most of us lack at home. A healthy work-life balance is the key ingredient to boosting productivity. Try establishing clear boundaries between your workplace and your personal space and see how it affects your job performance!
As humans, we are social beings who crave physical human connection from time to time. Returning to the office creates a social setting where employees can gather to converse and form closer relationships in a more casual manner, developing a sense of community within the workplace. It is important to foster human connection as it creates a sense of purpose for employees, improving mental function and cognitive performance.
Collaboration is critical to organizational success. Returning to the office drives collaboration and teamwork, allowing employees to exchange knowledge, share ideas, and contribute to feedback, all in a more engaging manner that could not be replicated through Zoom calls and cold emails from your kitchen counter. Collaborating in real-time fosters synergy which ultimately leads to a strong work culture.
The physical and mental well-being of your employees is the bread and butter of a productive and fulfilled workforce. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are especially common for employees working remotely. The physical presence of other people allows you to feel more connected and supported. A healthy body and mind are what keep the juices flowing, so take advantage of your office space!
If you are used to working from the comfort of your own home, doing your daily tasks in a cubicle might not sound appealing to most workers. However, with the right strategy and work model, an effective office set-up and workplace culture can be a game changer for companies that are eager to bring their employees back to the office.
Do what works best for you and for your employees! Whether your team is remote, in the office, or hybrid, litespace can support you. Learn more about the different work models here.
Returning to the office can benefit you, whether as an employer or an employee. Here’s how:
Erica is a Marketing Content Analyst at Litespace with a passion to help companies foster stronger corporate culture and better employee engagement in the hybrid work environment. Specializing in marketing and communications, Erica is eager to share her knowledge and research on hybrid work.