The Return to the Office: The New Normal in Employment Practices?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among companies to reduce the option of working from home, particularly among smaller businesses. According to research by HR services company Acerta Consult, over 500 Belgian companies are now mandating employees to be in the office for three days or more, a shift away from the widespread adoption of remote work during the first corona lockdown four years ago.

While some companies had embraced hybrid working arrangements, allowing employees to split their time between the office and home, more companies are now mandating a return to the office. This trend is driven by a desire for better communication and collaboration among team members and a belief that face-to-face interactions are essential for building strong relationships.

However, not all employees are happy with this shift. Some prefer a balance between office and remote work, as it allows them to have more flexibility in their schedules and better work-life balance. While the majority of employees currently commute to the office more often than required, there is a preference among some for more remote work.

Employers are also considering increasing remote work options or maintaining the current balance. They recognize that remote work offers many benefits such as increased productivity and reduced absenteeism but they also understand that it can lead to social isolation and decreased job satisfaction if not properly managed.

Despite the changing landscape of remote work, hybrid working is likely to remain a key aspect of employment practices in the future, offering flexibility for both employers and employees. Employers will need to find ways to effectively manage remote workers while still providing opportunities for face-to-face interactions and collaboration among team members. And employees will continue to seek out flexible work arrangements that allow them to have better work-life balance while still contributing to their organizations’ success.