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The shift towards increased office presence

Tired of the office tug-of-war? Want to boost office presence, improve employee satisfaction, and maintain productivity? From clear policies to flexible options, we'll guide you through creating a thriving hybrid workplace.  

As organisations return to pre-pandemic conditions, many are grappling with a new challenge: the increased expectation for employees to return to the office. This shift has led to evolving workplace dynamics and raised questions about how to increase office presence to boost connections and create hybrid work environments that meet both employee and business needs.

The pandemic forced a transition to remote work, and many employees have grown accustomed to the flexibility and autonomy it offers. As businesses make new hires, it’s key to remain agile and pay attention to changing behaviours. Instead of promoting productivity and connection, enforcing strict policies could lead to adverse effects.  

Our research shows there is a growing desire to maintain some level of remote work while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Our annual Talent Trends report, surveying 50,000 respondents globally, 2,400 of which are from the UK, revealed:

  • 32% are now working in the office more than they did 12 months ago, averaging three days a week.
  • 58% of those working in the office more than 12 months ago are doing so due to changes in company policy.
  • 59% of those are actively looking for a new role. And 60% are on the fence!

Understanding what workers want from a hybrid workplace  

Whether you’re trialling hybrid working arrangements, adjusting benefits and policies to meet individual needs, returning to the office space, or even considering the four-day compressed working week, our recent Talent Trends Autumn survey, taking a pulse of 5,000 UK workers, highlighted that transparency is everything.

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When it comes to first impressions during the interview process, transparency on salary (51%) and benefits (36%) take the top spots. This, alongside a job ad with a clear job description (47%), is also seen as a top priority. 19% of respondents cite hybrid working options, offering a mixture of home and office, as the most important when searching for a new role, so keep this in mind and use it to your advantage when advertising flexible arrangements.  

Employers need to be upfront about these aspects in their job postings and recruitment processes. Read on and follow our guide on best practice to help you create a positive hybrid work environment.

How to manage hybrid working and encourage office presence

A successful hybrid work environment requires careful planning and implementation. Start by establishing clear communication channels and transparent policies that outline expectations for both in-office and remote work. Plan in-person meetings or collaboration sessions for when you’ll all be together to generate buzz and excitement for days in the office! Prioritise employee well-being by providing mental health support and creating a comfortable and ergonomic workspace.

To foster collaboration and community, invest in technology that enables effective hybrid meetings and organise inclusive team-building activities. By measuring success through key performance indicators and gathering regular feedback, you can continuously improve your hybrid work arrangement and create a positive and productive workplace for all.

Need support re-imagining office presence?

By partnering with Michael Page, you can leverage our expertise.

We can help you implement programmes across a range of people strategies, including talent management, compensation and benefits, organisational change, workforce planning, and career transition. Our team can help you:

  • Identify and recruit top talent who are well-suited to a hybrid work environment.
  • Provide HR advisory services to address challenges and ensure compliance with employment laws.  
  • Measure the effectiveness of your hybrid work arrangement and make data-driven adjustments.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organisation's transition to hybrid work.

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