It’s been a few years since remote work was suddenly thrust into popularity, and in that time, remote or hybrid styles of work have become a means for businesses to return to normal operations without requiring a full return to the office. While many seem perfectly content to continue operating in this way, there are businesses that are pushing for a return to how things once were.
Let’s talk about why this strategy may not be all that wise.
Many Corporations Are Pushing for a Return to In-Office Operations
While remote work has had its chance to prove itself to be an effective means of maintaining a business’ operations, it’s a shame that it had to be in response to a global health crisis—not just because of the horror and loss associated with it, but also because remote operations could then be more easily scaled back once the peak of the pandemic seemed to pass.
Many of the employees who participated in the grand experiment of remote operations, however, found it to their liking. In addition to improved productivity and the elimination of the daily commute, there are a litany of benefits that workers have found remote work provides them with. The improved work/life balance that remote operations have enabled alone has proven impactful for many.
Long story short, a lot of people took very well to remote work, and would understandably react poorly when it was suddenly removed as an option.
However, over the past few years, many major companies and corporations have taken assorted steps toward just that. In 2022, assorted companies—including the likes of Apple, Capital One, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Salesforce, Tesla, Twitter/X, and Uber—actively took measures to limit remote work practices and policies. Numerous companies took similar actions in 2023, like Activision Blizzard, Amazon, Dell, Disney, General Motors, Google, IBM, Meta, Starbucks, Ubisoft, United Parcel Service, and Walmart. These companies took various approaches to rolling back remote work with equally varied results.
One constant: employees don’t want to give up these privileges.
Remote Work Has Long Been Contentious
Not long ago, remote work was a rarity. In fact, it took a global pandemic to get many businesses to consider it at all, the assumption being that workers would slack off. If this period of increased remote work has done anything, it’s been proven that remote work is an effective means for a business to operate.
The workforce has thrived during this time, adopting pets, bonding with family, and otherwise enjoying the flexibility that remote work inherently supports. It’s little wonder that employees are now focusing on remote work more and more, prioritizing it as a necessity.
Long Story Short: Continuing Remote Work Just Makes Sense
With the benefits that remote operations have shown workers, it is unwise for any business to push too hard for a return to exclusively in-office operations, at the risk of alienating employees, increasing turnover, and other costly issues. Embracing the capabilities of remote and hybrid work can be beneficial to modern business practices… and we can help. Give Setton Consulting a call at (212) 796-6061 to learn more.