3 failproof ways to motivate employees to work from the office

When the pandemic started, our world seemed to stop. Many businesses have shut down, and the majority of the employees stopped working from the office.

Home became a workplace, and remote work arrangements were introduced.

Despite this, numerous employees encountered challenges with this new arrangement. Some had difficulty with remote team collaboration, while others had connectivity issues.

Considering these problems, some businesses realized that working from the office is more convenient.

After three years of remote arrangements, many firms have decided to return to the office setup.

However, staff members preferred work-from-home because of the convenience and reduced hassle in their daily lives.

If you need to help convince your employees to return to onsite, we have listed three failproof ways to encourage employees to work from the office again.

What is the work-from-office setup?

Work from office setup was the traditional arrangement for most firms before COVID-19 started.

This setup is designed when employees perform their responsibilities in an office location during the required hours.

The work-from-office setup refers to a flexible working model where employees have the option to work remotely from a designated office space instead of a traditional office.

A physical office is designed for team collaboration, camaraderie, and communication.

Working from the office grants face-to-face meetings and healthier team connections.

It lets employees immediately address issues with their superiors to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

This arrangement enhances employee productivity by providing a supportive environment and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Despite these benefits from working from office, about two-thirds of the respondents of a WeForum survey around the globe said they’d want to work flexibly.

Business leaders are crucial for implementing a collaborative, focused, and innovative office space.

Who works in an office setup?

Today, the majority of office work can be done in front of a computer. Some employees even work with outsourced team members to help get the job done.

Here are the most common professions that work from office:

White-collar workers

While-collar workers are frequently in the office setup doing administrative, clerical, and management tasks.

The following are examples of white-collar workers:

• Accountants
• Architects
• Data-entry clerks
• Administrative and executive assistants
• Department and operation managers
• Social media marketer
• Writers
• Software developers
• Customer service

Below are also example of office jobs that may require specialized equipment and the ability to have face-to-face interaction with the clients,

• Laboratory technician
• Receptionist
• Store manager
• Health care practitioner

3 ways to motivate employees to work from office 

As the world slowly returns to normal, many companies are faced with the challenge of motivating their employees to return to the office.

Discuss here three ways to motivate employees to work from the office.

1. Create a supportive and welcoming work environment

It is a no-brainer that employees enjoy working with a supportive team.

When a company and its management teams appreciate and motivate team members, employees feel valued.

In addition, good communication within the organization builds better relationships and deep connections.

The existence of an encouraging team can bring about numerous advantages, such as:

• Enhanced productivity
• Increased commitment and work satisfaction among employees,
• Reduced anxiety and exhaustion
• Improved communication and cooperation
• Boosted creativity and ingenuity

In addition, Leadership First said,  “When employees respect each other and get along in the workplace, it’s amazing how productivity increases, morale increases, and employees are more courteous to customers.”

Recognize the unique needs of remote employees by providing hybrid work options and accommodating their schedules.

Maintain a focus on work-life balance by encouraging breaks, setting realistic deadlines, and promoting a healthy work culture that values well-being

2. Implement face-to-face coaching and organize social events

Face-to-face coaching enables employees to have better relationships and understanding with their team members.

Also, it gives them a chance to interact and share ideas and information. In fact, 84% of respondents from the greatbusinessschools.org report prefer in-person meetings and conferences.

In addition, an average of 13.36 ideas were generated in face-to-face meetings, which is higher than the 10.43 generated during virtual discussions.

Social events, such as employee recognition and regular team-wide lunches, can also encourage employees to work from home again.

Working on-site can have serious benefits for social networking and the employee’s well-being.

While remote work is a solution during the pandemic, we must switch to working from the office for social interaction.

By fostering collaboration and creating avenues for interaction, remote workers can feel connected to colleagues and company culture, increasing engagement and productivity.

Prioritizing employee retention with a supportive work environment leads to a loyal and committed workforce, impacting company success.

Working from the office is much more favorable than working from home.

Provide additional benefits, perks, and opportunities for career growth and development

Offering rewards along with perks can be an effective strategy for motivating staff to come back to work.

Businesses might provide benefits like complimentary food and drinks, flexible work hours, and gym memberships.

Companies can also reward employees who regularly work from the office with bonuses or other rewards such as:

• Healthcare card
• Vouchers
• Transportation allowances
• Free face masks and sanitizers in the office environment
• Sleeping quarters, especially for night-shift employees
• Free lunch or dinner

Moreover, providing opportunities for career growth and development is another way to motivate employees to work from the office.

This can be achieved through regular training and development programs, mentoring, and coaching.

By investing in their employees, companies can show that they value their contributions and are invested in their success.

Work from office or work from home: Which is better? 

Working from the office and working from home have advantages and disadvantages.

If employees wish to eliminate commuting time and have a flexible schedule, working from home is for them.

Hence, if employees want to boost their productivity, understand the company better, and improve their time management skills, working from the office applies to them.

While working from the office,  employees could learn behavioral and interpersonal skills. It also allows them to be free from their comfort zones.

Overall, working from an office is an excellent choice for those who want a productive yet sociable work environment.