Amazon is one of many firms recalling employees back to the office. Organizations that are shifting back to conducting business from the office are dealing with many challenges. It is no surprise that workers are not too interested in leaving the comfort of their home offices. So, how can HR convince employees to return to the office?
Also Read: 7 Proven Approaches to Cultivate a Positive Workplace Culture
Learn how HR can best manage convincing employees to return to the office.
A successful transition starts with recognizing and understanding the challenges for the employees, which become your challenges. The benefits of working from the office must be evident and highlighted to them.
Additionally, an environment that promotes creativity, connectivity, and communication must be created to further motivate employees to return.
Recognize the Concerns of Employees
If it is a challenge for you to manage their return, it is a challenge for them. To truly understand what they will go through, conduct surveys and take feedback. Focus groups can help delve deeper into understanding their feelings and opinions about the return.
From this data, analyze the common themes and discomfort zones. Figure out where the primary pain points are for the team. It could be the commute, home responsibilities, or something else.
Explain the Rationale Behind the Move
From an employee’s perspective, remote work brings a better work-life balance for them and reduces overhead costs for the firm. So, the benefits of returning to the office might not be immediately recognized.
Communicate with them how team dynamics and collaborative efforts are heightened, resulting in better decision-making.
Create a Better Work Office Environment
Change is tough, and employees developing resistance to a major change is expected. Speaking to them can only go so far. However, an office environment where they can be productive while also having fun and upskilling themselves is incentivizing.
An office layout that promotes inclusivity and is inviting while being comfortable to work in is ideal.
Slow and Steady (Return to the Office) Wins the Race
People have become accustomed to a home office, and suddenly shifting back to 5 days a week is not ideal. Instead, slowly starting off with a hybrid model and gradually transitioning is the way to go.
Allow people to customize their in-office days according to their needs. Provide adequate support to those that need it, for example, childcare facilities for working parents, transportation for those with lengthy commutes, and more.
Wrapping Up
An HR personnel’s role is already tough managing people in a virtual environment, and the transition to in-office work further complicates it. Convincing people to return to the office has its own set of challenges. But with the right strategy and dedicated efforts, they can be overcome.
