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  • In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a significant change in how we work. The traditional office setting has transformed into a dynamic landscape where the old rules no longer apply. Employers, employees, and even Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are all reevaluating the concept of work in this new era. Let’s take a closer look.

    Adapting To The New Normal

    The pandemic thrust us into a realm of remote work, causing many companies to wave goodbye to their traditional office spaces. However, not everyone is ready to embrace this new way of work entirely. According to the Pew Research Center, around 35% of remote-capable workers now find themselves working from home full-time. Another 41% are adopting a hybrid work model. Yet, as COVID-19 is gradually tamed, employers are trying to bring back in-office work.

    Companies such as Zoom and Meta have demanded their employees return to the office for at least a few days each week. Furthermore, a survey by KPMG’s complete return to in-office work by 2026, with a mere 7% advocating for continued remote work. These trends don’t just exist in the technology industry. Companies across the U.S. are rolling up their sleeves and working on strategies to entice employees back to the office.

    Reinventing The Office Experience

    In a world where 90% of office workers are hesitant to say goodbye to remote work, employers are taking cautious steps to change. Many companies embrace remote work but urge in-person presence for essential gatherings, meetings, and collaborative projects. It’s about being physically present when individuals are actively engaging with one another, not merely glued to their screens.

    The Productivity Dilemma

    Business owners have stated that the remote work experiment during the pandemic was far from ideal. Employee morale took a hit as work-life balance became a juggling act. Being in the office fosters camaraderie, offers management support, and equips employees with the essential technology to excel. In addition, it provides real-time collaboration, problem-solving, and faster onboarding, which are crucial in the competitive landscape in which they operate in.

    Commuting Challenge

    The thought of resuming daily commutes isn’t enticing for everyone. To address this, companies such as ABF Group in Silicon Valley offer commuting stipends to ease the transition. The CEO of ABF group acknowledges that technology enables remote work but also emphasizes the value of face-to-face interactions for brainstorming, collaboration, and team building.

    Building Connections

    One of the most significant aspects of in-person work is the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues. In-person work allows for a shared lunch break or a friendly stroll, creating bonds that are hard to replicate in a virtual setting. Companies are curating in-office experiences that cater to relationship-building, proving that work can be productive and fun.

    Balancing Act

    In this rapidly evolving landscape, companies are not imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they’re partnering with their employees to discover the best way forward. For business owners, it’s essential to dive into what motivates their teams, emphasizing the importance of employee feedback in shaping the future of work.

    The Support Of A PEO

    As we balance remote and in-person work, the path forward may be less about rigid demands and more about collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. As businesses embrace this landscape, they often need expert guidance to navigate this intricate journey. This is where a professional employer organization (PEO) comes in. A PEO like GMS offers the support and strategies necessary to rekindle the aspect of in-person work while also catering to the evolving needs of employees. With the help of GMS, businesses can craft a tailored approach to the new world of work, ensuring that their return to the office is seamless and rewarding. So, whether you’re enticing your team back into the office by offering incentives or enhancing their work-life balance with remote work options, remember that the future is flexible. With the right partners, your business can thrive in this evolving era of work. Contact us today to learn more.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped how we work, ushering in a remote work era that allowed employees across various sectors to carry out their roles from the comfort of their homes. However, a significant shift is underway as the pandemic gradually loosens its grip and we navigate the road to recovery. President Joe Biden is leading the charge to bring federal employees back to their offices, marking a pivotal moment in our work culture.

    A Presidential Call To Action

    President Biden’s recent call for federal government agencies to increase in-person work this fall represents a turning point in our approach to work post-pandemic. This directive aligns with President Biden’s commitment to reinstate in-person positions for most federal workers, a promise he reiterated in his State of the Union address in March 2022.

    Addressing Workplace Capacity And Culture

    The push for in-person work is not just a symbolic gesture; it stems from a practical need to optimize workspace capacity. A Government Accountability Office report revealed that many federal agencies utilized only a fraction of their headquarters’ capacities, with 17 out of 24 agencies using around 25% or less. President Biden’s call to action seeks to maximize the potential of these workspaces, enabling better collaboration, communication, and efficiency.

    In addition, the President’s directive emphasizes the significance of in-person work for fostering a strong workplace culture. As remote work provides flexibility, in-person interactions are key to nurturing relationships, boosting team morale, and cultivating a sense of belonging.

    The Corporate Shift: A Tale Of Success

    President Biden’s call for a return to the office mirrors a broader trend taking place across the corporate landscape. Many private sector companies have been phasing out remote work and advocating for employees to rejoin the office environment, citing the need for collaboration and preserving workplace culture. A survey found that employees who returned to the office reported higher job satisfaction, increased effectiveness, and heightened productivity. This positive trend underscores the potential benefits that in-person work can bring to organizations and their employees.

    Navigating Challenges And Considerations

    While the push for in-person work carries numerous advantages, it does not come without its challenges. Some federal employee unions have resisted the return, seeking to uphold remote work arrangements. Balancing employees’ preferences, the interests of unions, and the administration’s goals will require careful negotiation and strategic planning.

    Positioning For Success – Partner With A PEO

    In an era of unprecedented challenges and transformative change, the call for in-person work represents an opportunity for business owners to reimagine their workplaces and foster a sense of unity, collaboration, and innovation. By staying attuned to President Biden’s directive and the broader shift toward in-person interactions, business leaders can strategically adapt their operations to create a vibrant and thriving workplace culture.

    Embracing flexible approaches, such as hybrid models that combine the best remote and in-person work, can help balance employee preferences and the benefits of face-to-face interactions. As you chart your course forward, consider leveraging technology to support seamless communication, emphasizing the value of team gatherings, and prioritizing employees’ well-being in this evolving landscape.

    Have you considered partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO)? To navigate this transition seamlessly and maximize its benefits, businesses can turn to the expertise and support of GMS, a certified PEO (CPEO). We offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of your workforce, helping you stay adaptable, compliant, and focused on your core business goals.

    The following are how a PEO can assist in this transition process:

    • Compliance guidance: As workplace regulations evolve, PEOs stay up-to-date with the latest laws, ensuring your business remains compliant during the in-person work transition. 
    • Employee benefits management: PEOs can help optimize your employee benefits package to meet the changing needs of your workforce, enhancing job satisfaction and retention. 
    • Flexible HR solutions: PEOs offer flexible human resources solutions that can be tailored to your unique needs, whether it’s creating hybrid work models, adapting policies, or fostering a positive workplace culture. 

    Contact us today to learn more.