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29 June 2023 | Press Release
More and more companies are asking employees to return to the office, but many of these workers are ignoring the request.
According to a new survey by The Conference Board, 54 percent of companies are mandating or strongly encouraging workers to be on-site. However, nearly 80 percent are still working either fully remote or hybrid schedules.
In fact, workers’ dissatisfaction with return-to-office mandates may lead more workers to jump ship. Indeed, nearly a third of those required to come back to the workplace said their intent to stay with their organization had decreased.
The survey also reveals the pros and cons of fully remote versus fully on-site work. Most strikingly, the results suggest a relationship between companies with fully-remote employees and layoffs. 33 percent of remote employees report their companies have implemented layoffs, compared to only 13 percent of fully on-site workers.
The latest workforce survey from The Conference Board was fielded from April 25 to May 5 and polled nearly 1,300 US employees—predominantly office workers. Respondents weighed in on their work arrangements, return-to-the-office policies, productivity, engagement levels, and more. Key findings include:
FULLY ON SITE OR FULLY REMOTE: THE BATTLE RAGES ON
Nearly 80 percent are working either fully remote or hybrid (partially remote) schedules.
More than half say working on site is either strongly encouraged or mandated by their organizations.
RETENTION
Mandating that employees work on site may hurt worker retention.
LAYOFFS
Are layoffs more common among remote employees?
PRODUCTIVITY
Fully-remote workers say they are more productive.
TEAM BUILDING
Hybrid and fully remote workers are concerned about limited connection with their colleagues.
Less than half of organizations offer in-person team building and celebratory events.
“In a world that can often seem like its gone mad, we need to reimagine the workplace as an oasis for workers,” said Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board. “Businesses should not only be thoughtful about why they’re asking people to come back to the office but make it a place where people can come to do their best work, can learn and grow, and can have a meaningful impact.”
ON-SITE WORRIES: OVERALL
Half of those working fully on site have no concerns about working in a physical workplace.
ON-SITE WORRIES: GENDER
Men are much less concerned about working fully on site.
ON-SITE WORRIES: GENERATIONS
Millennials working fully on site are more concerned about the commute, work-life integration, and the expectation to be available than other generations.
“Workers are looking for opportunities to connect with their colleagues,” said Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board. “Offering chances to get together and celebrate may provide some with enough of a reason to go into the office. But keep in mind that being together in person is not the only way to recognize accomplishments and celebrate as a team. Leaders should be intentional about building culture and comradery in a remote setting as well.”
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