Home or office? This is the modern quandary for team leaders.
If Shakespeare was alive today, he’d turn this question into an epic soliloquy: To return to the office, or not to return? That is the question.
It’s a query worth considerable thought – a real pros-versus-cons type of dilemma, and one that managers are now facing. The challenge is that team leaders are navigating uncharted waters. This question has never been asked on such a wide spectrum.
While each business is unique, we can provide some guidelines to help you make a thoughtful decision.
The latest survey says…
Microsoft surveyed 31,102 workers worldwide between January and February 2022 and found that about 50% of leaders say their company already requires or is planning to require employees to return to in-person work full-time in the next year.
According to CNBC.com, this number stands in sharp contrast to what employees want: flexibility. In the same report, 52% of workers said they are thinking of switching to a full-time remote or hybrid job in 2022.
Regardless of what work environment an individual employee may prefer, there’s a feeling among many of being in limbo, and team members are seeking swift communication from leadership. You can have your employees return to the office, but should you require it? Here are a few pros and cons of each type of work environment to consider when deciding.
Remote – Pros:
Keeping the status quo
A bigger hiring pool
Your employees may prefer it
Remote – Cons:
Accountability may seem tougher
Recognition is given less
Team communication can suffer
In-Office – Pros:
Teamwork is stronger
Communication with managers is more consistent
Coaching and development happens more often
In-Office – Cons:
Less flexibility for employees
Increased costs for employers and employees
Your employees may not prefer it
Making an informed choice
As you can see, there are clear benefits to both in-office and remote work environments, so the only way to make the right decision is to consider what’s most important to you, your company and your employees.
In our white paper, “A Leader’s Complete Guide to Back-to-the-Office,” we offer an in-depth look at each pro and con listed above, as well as insight into a hybrid approach, which is a best-of-both-worlds scenario that many companies are considering. Plus, we outline the 3 critical steps needed to ensure a smooth return to the office in which your team members feel supported along the way.
Still unsure if Home or Office is right for you? Download our Leader’s Complete Back-to-the-Office Guide to make sure you’re set up for success.
