Although many professionals have embraced hybrid work arrangements, staffing firm Robert Half found that a majority of companies anticipate there will be a full return to the office once the pandemic ends.
According to a survey of over 2,800 senior managers, 71% of respondents said they will require their teams to be on-site full time once Covid 19 restrictions lift. Far fewer said they will allow employees to follow a hybrid schedule, where they can divide time between the office and another location (16%) or give staff the complete freedom to choose where they work (12%).
“Employers should be aware of the risks of mandating a full return to the office,” Half warns. Previous research reveals nearly half of employees (49%) prefer a hybrid arrangement, and about 1 in 3 professionals (34%) currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if required to be in the office five days a week.
A separate survey finds 43% of workers feel much more productive when remote versus in the office.
"When it comes to hybrid work, there's a disconnect between what managers prefer and what employees expect," said Robert Half senior executive director Paul McDonald.
"But in this talent-driven market, especially, companies need to prioritize their people and look to the future. Providing flexibility is a low-cost way to create a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture."
Top challenges cited when managing hybrid teams include communicating effectively with team members, 22%; trusting employees to get work done, 20%; gauging workloads and helping staff avoid burnout, 20%; effectively recognizing and rewarding employee accomplishment, 20%; and finding time for team development, 19%.