Companies left and right have continued to order employees back to the office with strict mandates this year – Tesco, Boots, ASOS, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, to name just a few in the UK.
And this usually isn’t popular with employees. The vast majority (80%!) of employers have lost employees because of these mandates, and three-quarters of HR managers report that these policies are causing workplace conflicts.
At beyond, we can’t help but feel that there’s a smarter approach for everyone to get what they need.
Essentially, don’t force all your employees into the office in the name of productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. Think instead about how your company’s workspace can better support these goals and ultimately become a place employees don’t have to be, but rather want to be.
Why flexibility matters
Many companies justify mandates by claiming they are necessary to boost collaboration, preserve company culture, or ensure productivity.
But in 2024, that’s just not a realistic attitude – there's just no denying how flexible work arrangements have provided countless benefits to employees, from better work-life balance and reduced stress from commuting to the freedom to work in environments that genuinely suit their needs.
Flexibility is often at the top of jobseekers’ wish-lists when hunting for a new role, so employers should be wary that imposing strict office mandates could drive away top talent. Lower job satisfaction coupled with high employee turnover are potential risks, as workers who’ve grown to love flexible working might see these mandates as a step backwards.
Strict RTO rules can also undermine workplace diversity, creating even more barriers to working for many underrepresented groups. Enabling people to work from different locations or set their own working patterns enables companies to attract top talent from different locales and offer opportunities for those with caregiving responsibilities and those with disabilities.
Our top tips for getting employees into the office, no mandate required
Firstly, employers should try to reframe their mindset, and look primarily to quality, not quantity, of in-office-time.
But there are still ways to boost time spent in the office by employees without enforcing RTO policies.
- Have a variety of spaces
One of the biggest reasons employees avoid more regular office attendance is they say it’s not necessarily aligned with how they best work, unlike a home office where they can design their environment to best suit their needs.
Providing a workspace with a variety of flexible, adaptable work environments is a great solution to this. For instance, at beyond locations we provide our members with quiet areas for focused work, collaborative spaces for teamwork, relaxing zones for casual and social interactions, and venues for events and team-building activities – ensuring that employees always have a setting for work that suits them and their goals.
- Make coming in fun
Another way to get employees into the office is making in-office days as enjoyable as possible. A workspace with regular events – think workshops, movie nights, quizzes, parties, the sky’s the limit – is an engaging way to get employees excited and willing to attend the office more often.
Other nice-to-have workspace perks like beer on tap and complimentary barista coffee (both offered at beyond locations!) are a nice touch to make employees feel welcome and settled too.
An attractive office location also helps, as close access to great bars, restaurants, cultural venues, and other facilities helps employees achieve a stronger work-life balance.
- Prioritise health and wellbeing
The health and comfort of employees should also be a key consideration in your workspace, helping employees counterbalance the stresses of an additional commute.
Features like natural lighting, ergonomic furniture, wellness rooms, and access to green or outdoor spaces can make a big difference. These are all things we consider within beyond workspaces, and members often feedback that these significantly enhance comfort and, as a result, productivity.
It’s officially time for employers to embrace change, and to stop looking back at a past that’s no longer representative of the modern world of work. Making sure your office is the best possible fit for your business is a far better solution.
And to ensure your office always fits your business, a flexible workspace could be the best possible solution as these spaces allow you to adapt your needs constantly. Your business and your team, are their customers. And like any business, the best flexible workspace providers put their clients first.
For your team, that could just look like becoming part of the beyond family at one of our many workspaces across Europe. Get in touch with the team today to tour one of your local locations.
