Why in-office work is better
While working from home comes with benefits for many, not all workers or all types of work are best suited for remote settings. For example, employees who live in places with poor or unreliable internet struggle with frustrating tech issues like poor audio and video feeds during video conferencing calls. Many people also disliked attending virtual meetings — finding it hard to collaborate with others through a computer screen.
According to our results, the top advantage to being in the office is working with co-workers in person. Respondents also claimed that they can focus better in the office than at home, and some people enjoyed having a more defined work schedule, too.
There are many other advantages of working in an office, such as developing better teamwork, presentation, or leadership skills. Working with others in person also provides networking opportunities and a chance to form better connections with co-workers. Leaders might also find it easier to manage their teams and assess workers’ skills in person. Stressing in-office benefits and positive company culture can help to mentally prepare employees for their upcoming return.
When asked what would entice them to return back to in-person employment, most people responded that they wanted a partial remote work program. So if employers offered a hybrid schedule, more people would be willing to return. More than one-third also desired more vacation days, mental health check-ins and a gradual transition back from remote work.
The pandemic has affected the needs of many employees and the types of benefits that they most want from their employers. According to recent studies, health care benefits are at the top of the list, with more people desiring COVID-related coverage.
Child care benefits are also in higher demand, as costs and availability have been affected by the pandemic. Offering on-site child care or employer-subsidized child care benefits would likely be a large draw for many. Recent figures revealed that 85% of working parents currently don’t have child care benefits. The majority of these parents stated that they would be more loyal to a company that offers child care benefits and that their productivity levels would increase.