How to prepare the return to the office of your employees?

Future of work
June 16, 2022
Published by
Thomas

With many people now working from home, the return of your employees to the office can be a shock to the organisation of your system. But there are ways to prepare for it. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to make the transition back to the office as smooth as possible.

The return to the office is shared

A unique, and often beneficial, lifestyle is quickly established for remote work employees. But if the company has set up a hybrid organisation, this means that it is also necessary to adapt to the common spaces in the office.

Before you can ask them to return to the office, you need to make sure that your employees are ready to change their habits, while remaining productive and happy.

Set goals together with employees

An important way to do this is to set goals together with your employees. This ensures that everyone is moving in the same direction and that the return to the office is validated by everyone.

When setting goals, it is important to consider what your employees need to succeed. For example, some may needmore flexible hours to accommodate childcare responsibilities, while others may need access to more resources or training.

By working together, you can develop a plan that meets the needs of all your employees and helps make the transition back to the office as smooth as possible.

Digital tools for human emotions

Returning to the office is a major change for employees who have worked remotely for several months. While some are eager to return to a more traditional work environment, others may feel anxious about the transition.

As an employer, it is important to be aware of the range of emotions your employees may be experiencing and to take steps to make the transition as smooth as possible.

One way to do this is to use organisational software to help you plan and communicate with your team. By using tools that allow you to customise schedules and workflows, you can ensure that each employee has the support they need to make a successful return to the office.

In addition, you are likely tosave up to 10 hours of your time each month with this type of support.

The organisation of workspaces

There are a number of factors that companies need to consider when preparing for their employees ' return to the office. One of the most important is the organization of the workspace.

In a hybrid system, it is important to create a space that is both functional and comfortable.

The layout of the space should also encourage collaboration and communication. Workspaces should therefore be arranged in a way that encourages people to interact with each other, and there should be plenty of open space for impromptu meetings.

It is also possible tosave up to 35% of office space by optimising the layout of a company.

Do not neglect the living space

The organisation of work spaces is therefore crucial. However, many companies neglect the living spaces of their employees, such as :

  • break rooms
  • the changing rooms
  • the car park

This can have a negative impact on morale and cause tension between employees. It is therefore important to pay attention to the layout of all spaces within the office, in order to create a positive and healthy environment for all.

Equipping the workstation well

A well-equipped workstation is the key to a productive and efficient office. Employees should have everything they need within easy reach, and the layout of the office should be ergonomically correct.

For example, the computer screen should be at eye level to avoid neck strain and the keyboard should be positioned so that the wrists are in a neutral position. By taking these factors into consideration, employers can create a work environment that helps employees stay healthy and productive.

Reconnect employees back to the office with the rest of the workforce

As more and more employees remote work, it is important to ensure that those who return to the office feel connected to the rest of the staff.

One way to do this is to organise regular events or "check-ins", where remote workers can meet up with their colleagues and find out what is going on. Thisavoids feelings of isolation and ensures that everyone is working together.

In addition, it's important to provide opportunities for networking and socializing, such as happy hours or company lunches. By taking these steps, you can help create a more cohesive and connected team, even if some of your employees work remotely.

As a conclusion to this article, even Apple employees are arguing for more remote work. So if you want to encourage your employees to come back to the office, your arguments must be strong.