Talent Solutions firm, Robert Half’s recent research has shown the anticipation of US companies to adapt to a full-time work from office culture once the Covid-19 pandemic ends. In a survey which included responses from more than 2,800 senior managers in the U.S., it was found that 71% of respondents stated that when the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, they would like their employees and teams to return to full time onsite work. 16% of respondents said that they will allow their employees to divide time between the office and another location. And, only 12% will give them the freedom to choose between hybrid model and conventional work from office model. The risk factors associated with full time work from office mandate should be carefully assessed by the companies.

Robert Half’s previous survey indicated that the employees are not okay with the idea of returning to work from office model. Hybrid models are preferred by the employees with 49% of them liking the current work from home arrangement. 34% of employees also said that they would look for another job if they are summoned to work from office five days a week. A different survey revealed that there is an increased level of productivity observed by 43% of workers in a remote working environment.

Paul McDonald,  senior executive director of Robert Half said that the opinions of employees and senior management do not match when it comes to hybrid work debates. But prioritising what people want and adapting to the implications of the future is what companies need to do in this talent-driven market. “Providing flexibility is a low-cost way to create a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture.", he added. 

Managers hold different views regarding hybrid work culture varying across cities, practice areas and company size. Managers favouring remote work systems come  from companies of Boston (45%), San Francisco (38%) and Philadelphia (37%). 30% of the senior managers of the marketing division support work from home models and 28% of the financial department administration feel that hybrid model is best.

The obstacles related to adopting hybrid work models on a long term basis are also an important area to look at, pointed out by employers. Less than 23% feel that the important checkboxes which are easily ticked and carried out in a work from office model seem very unlikely to be properly executed in a hybrid model. This affects the overall growth oriented mindset of companies and derails the connection between the employees and senior management.

• Effective communication with team members: 22% 
• Trusting employees to get job or assignment done: 20%
• Gauging and distributing workloads and helping staff avoid burnout: 20%
• Recognizing and rewarding employee accomplishments accurately: 20%
• Finding time and making efforts for team development: 19%

There is a clear mismatch of thoughts regarding work models between employees and senior management. However, in the new talent-driven world of work, the employers can either listen to the needs of the employees or lose the war for talent. To prioritise what people want and adapt to their changing needs, leaders are advised to retain the flexibility of work and look at more hybrid work arrangements which make sense to both business and people.