So why is this an issue?

How is the tide turning?

You've no doubt been reading various articles about numerous companies returning to the office. Executives from companies such as ASOS and Manchester United have mandated a full return to the office, citing productivity and other benefits of in-person working as the main reason.

But it doesn't just seem to be the top of the chain that are welcoming this ‘return to the norm’. Recent research from Fortune suggests that Gen Z-ers, who have just entered the workforce, are ditching the Zooms for a return to the office. People Management also found that Gen Z feel their managers expect them to be in the office.

Nevertheless, it's not all bad if you're a home-working advocate. Our own research conducted found that both employees and managers are looking at hybrid working as the way forward. Employers also feel that their team would work more from home if they were given complete control.

Companies mandating a full return

Boots

Boots is ordering administrative staff back into the office for five days a week from September 2024.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the informal conversations, brief catch-ups and ability to meet in groups in person has been far more effective”

- Seb James, CEO.

ASOS

According to a report from The Times, the online retailer requires its creative, marketing and production teams to attend the majority of meetings in-person because of the “strain” virtual attendance puts on the wider team.

The company already requires staff to work from the office for at least three days a week.

Manchester United

The Manchester United investor Sir Jim Radcliffe previously ordered all staff back to the office full time, citing a 20% drop in email activity on Friday’s as a reason behind his decision.

Staff were told return to office or accept a resignation bonus, and given an ‘ultimatum’ after the club requested them in the office full time – a move commentators describe as an ‘unyielding approach’ to hybrid working.

The benefits of the workplace & the commute

We've already mentioned the advantages of in-person communication, but what are some of the other benefits?

The commute itself is one for example. It provides employees time to themselves, gives routine, and creates a physical barrier between the workplace and their personal space.

Forbes have listed some lesser known benefits of returning to the workplace, such as:

Stronger connections
Shared experiences
Mentorship for young professionals
Mental health benefits

Mental health implications

Working remotely, or working from home, can have lots of benefits. But it can also have a big impact on our mental health.

Some people thrive on energy from others, and remote-working can mean that some employees experience loneliness.

Focus can also be difficult to maintain. In a physical office, employees may have more control over managing disruptions and trusting their co-workers will respect their need to focus. When working from home, however, personal disruptions can be harder to avoid.

A lack of clear boundaries between work and home can be hard for employees to fulfil both aspects of their life. Prolonged struggle in these areas can take a toll on self-esteem.