So, should we return to the office?
Studies show that returning to the office could be good for our overall health and productivity…..
Work life balance…..
A study was conducted that showed employee sent emails at 1am in the morning and productivity went through the roof whilst employees were working from home during the height of the pandemic.
While working from home makes the process of setting boundaries difficult, working from the office allows employees to be productive within a specific timeframe.
A 9 to 5 job permits employees to set goals for the day before they sign off and relax in the evening. Furthermore, it also creates synergy amongst co-workers and stops employee burnout!
Talk it through…..
Would you prefer walking across the hallway to a co-worker’s desk to share an insightful idea or schedule a video call? Studies show we are all at video call fatigue!
In comparison, working with your colleagues in person leads to more productive outcomes. The synergy is much stronger and more natural as compared to a virtual brainstorming session.
The right balance between work and play…
One cannot ignore the fact that friendly banter with colleagues about a football match / TV programme is more interesting than asking them, “hello, can you hear me now?” a million times.
Companies should put in all efforts to create an inclusive environment that motivates the workers and creates a sense of ownership and an emotional attachment to their work. When in the office employees can approach their colleagues easily if they feel low. The conversation can further lead to some exciting exchange of ideas. And this process is most likely to boost creativity and kill boredom.
“Relationships and friendships at work are absolutely critical to happiness, engagement, and productivity in the workplace.”
Be happy…
Bonding with a favourite colleague eases work-related stress. The fact that you can talk about your challenges at work with someone trustworthy is a great relief.
According to a LinkedIn study, 46% of working professionals stated that their work friends are essential in their overall happiness.
Employees who look at offices as more than a workplace will benefit in the long run. Of course, companies also have to help employees by redesigning the office in a way that encourages productivity, collaboration, and teamwork.
Don’t be lonely….
Workplace loneliness amongst employees is a common problem. Now with remote working, it has become even more difficult to deal with this issue. Even though family members or pets surround employees, professional loneliness catches up sooner or later.
A lonely employee will hamper productivity by being less approachable. Furthermore, he or she is more likely to read into messages negatively through a dark lens. Returning to the office will allow companies to help their employees cope with this situation.
Hydrid working….
COVID-19 encouraged us to embrace flexibility. Perhaps if it weren’t for the pandemic, companies wouldn’t have adopted the hybrid work model on such a large scale or even at all!
According to research 63% of high-growth companies have already embraced it long-term allowing employees to make the decision on office or home working. This allows employees to strike a balance between personal and professional life.
In conclusion…
Returning to work post-pandemic will encourage HR to draw new policies that put employees at the heart of the organisation and companies will have to do more to make the workplace a more attractive place to be….
