The Challenges Employees Face with the Return to Office
Despite the advantages of remote work to employees, numerous organizations are opting to abandon it and return to the office, either full-time or in a hybrid work model. A recent survey conducted by BetterUp demonstrated that the number of primarily remote roles has halved, with one in four organizations claiming that improved connection and culture serve as the main motivators for mandating office returns.
Disruption to Routine and Overall Life Experience
However, our extensive research has revealed that returning to the office often poses major disruptions to individuals’ routines, foundational work, and their overall life experiences. We surveyed 1,400 full-time U.S. employees who were mandated to return to in-office work, and the results are concerning. These employees reported higher burnout, stress levels, and turnover intentions. They also expressed lower levels of trust in their organizations, diminished engagement, and decreased productivity. These findings stress the importance of handling the return-to-office transition with a high level of humanity, sensitivity, and empathy, as a lack of these qualities adversely impacts workplace culture and undermines the employees’ sense of belonging.
Pressure on Flexibility, Time, and Finances
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, our research also discovered that returning to the office creates pressure on employees’ flexibility, time, and finances. If you are struggling to adapt to a mandated return, it is essential to know that you are not alone in this situation.
The Main Challenges of Return to Office (RTO)
While working in person does offer certain benefits, such as increased life satisfaction and social connectedness, poorly communicated and implemented return-to-office mandates often result in employee resentment towards their employers. Resentful employees are less likely to bring their authentic selves to the workplace and are less inclined to invest in those around them.
Among the most challenging aspects of returning to the office, the commute stands out. Notably, commutes of only 30 minutes have been linked to higher stress and anger, whereas commutes of 45 minutes or more are associated with diminished overall well-being, daily mood, and health.
The second most challenging aspect is the loss of flexibility to manage work and home tasks, such as accepting deliveries or tending to household responsibilities between meetings. In our time-starved world, even the smallest time savings can be greatly significant as people attempt to juggle various responsibilities.
Contrary to what some leaders may assume—associating remote work with unproductivity—research has actually revealed that remote work produces a net gain for organizations. Studies have shown that remote workers dedicate more total hours to their companies.
Opportunities Arising from Disruptions
BetterUp’s evidence suggests that enabling employees to have agency in choosing their work arrangement allows them to discover a workstyle that optimizes both their performance and well-being.
Requiring in-office work can actually create significant financial burdens for employees. On average, an employee returning to the office spends around $561 per month on transportation costs, additional childcare and pet care, as well as domestic assistance. This expense is comparable to the average monthly grocery bill of a two-person household in the U.S.
Reaping Benefits and Establishing Healthy Habits
If your employer mandates your return-to-office, there are strategies you can employ to make the most of this change. First, focus on maximizing the benefits of interacting in person: deepen your relationships and enhance collaboration with your coworkers. Take advantage of the hybrid work model to connect with your physical colleagues as much as possible, going beyond merely attending virtual meetings.
Next, consider the return to the office as an opportunity to create a better work-life balance. Embrace the idea of leaving work at work if you are back in the office full-time. Additionally, develop desirable habits or routines, such as exercising at the gym on your way to work. Although the transition back to in-person work may be disruptive, it provides an opportunity to establish healthier habits.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to your manager in order to thrive during the return-to-office period. Whether it is requesting a later start to facilitate school drop-offs or seeking better commuter benefits to alleviate financial burdens, thoughtfully vocalize your requirements.
Remember Your Valid Emotions and Seek Support
Returning to the office under a mandated order can impact employees in unexpected and undesired ways. If you find this transition difficult and experience a mix of emotions, know that it is normal. Remember that you have every right to express your needs and desires.
Contributors:
– Dr. Christine Carter, VP of Coaching, Excellence, and Innovation at BetterUp.
– Dr. Erin Eatough, Co-founder of Fractional Insights and an expert in HR consultancy.
– Dr. Kristi Leimgruber, a behavioral scientist at BetterUp Labs with research focusing on cooperation and evolution.
– Dr. Khoa Le Nguyen, a behavioral scientist at BetterUp Labs studying well-being and human potential both at work and beyond.
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