Going to the office is the new 'remote work'
As companies call workers back to the office, many employees are pushing back, with the majority saying they'd consider looking for a new job if required to return to the office full-time. Efforts to issue mandates or lure employees back with onsite amenities and perks miss a critical psychological piece of RTO resistance: Working at the office is the new remote. Read this for insight.
Why are employees resistant to returning to the office?
Employees are resistant to returning to the office because the pandemic has disrupted their established habits. After two years of working from home, many workers have formed a new default habit that prioritizes remote work. A survey by ADP Research Institute found that two-thirds of the workforce would consider looking for a new job if required to return to the office full time, indicating a strong preference for the flexibility of remote work.
How does habit influence workplace preferences?
Habit plays a significant role in shaping workplace preferences because the human brain favors automaticity and routine. When the habit of commuting to the office was broken, a new habit of working from home emerged and became the default. This shift means that for many employees, going to the office now feels like a departure from their established routine, making it less appealing.
What should employers consider when encouraging office returns?
Employers should rethink their approach by treating the return to the office as a new offering rather than a return to normal. They need to listen to employees' concerns, understand what would make the transition easier, and customize their strategies accordingly. Recognizing that some employees may be comfortable with remote work, employers should focus on creating an appealing office environment and addressing any mixed feelings employees may have about the change.
Going to the office is the new 'remote work'
published by Baker Audio Visual
For more than 70 years, Baker Audio Visual has maintained a core competency and focus on audio and video related fields. Baker Audio Visual is the longest standing audiovisual integrator in the southeast, proving our long-term commitment to our clients and industry partners.
Our focus has always been specific to the audio and video fields in verticals such as corporate interiors, higher education, governmental facilities, sporting arenas and houses of worship. We pride ourselves on being a custom design/build firm offering full design, integration and long-term service support.
Sign in with LinkedIn