Remember when we all scrambled to set up home offices in your spare rooms and kitchen tables? Those days of pyjama bottoms and video call tops seem increasingly distant as companies across the country are calling employees back to their desks. While remote work offered us unprecedented flexibility, the corporate world is witnessing a significant swing back to in-person work - and both businesses and employees are feeling the impact.
How We Got Here
The pandemic forced an overnight experiment in remote work that many of us never expected to experience. Kitchen tables became desks, and pets became coworkers. For many, this new flexibility was liberating - no commute, more family time, and often higher productivity.
But as we settle into post-pandemic life, the workplace pendulum is swinging back. Recent data shows a staggering 90% of UK workers are now required to spend at least some time in the office. This isn't just about getting back to "normal" - there are genuine business reasons driving this shift.
The Real Challenges for Employees
Let's be honest - returning to office life isn't all about team lunches and water cooler chats. For many, it means significant adjustments.
The Dreaded Commute Returns: If you've enjoyed rolling out of bed and logging on a few minutes later, the return of the commute can feel particularly harsh. Research shows that commuting more than 35 minutes each day can take a serious toll on job satisfaction and well-being. It's not just the time - it's the stress of traffic jams, delayed trains and unpredictable weather.
Then there's the financial hit. With commuting costs potentially eating up to 19% of someone's annual income, the return to the office isn't just a lifestyle adjustment - it's a budget adjustment too. With today's rising transport costs and inflation pressures, this is no small consideration.
The Human Cost: For businesses pushing strict in-office policies, there's a real risk of losing valuable team members. Many people relocated during the pandemic, seeking more space or lower living costs further from city centres. Others simply discovered they thrive in a different working environment. Not to mention those who were hired during the pandemic when remote work meant location didn't matter.
The consequences? We're already seeing increased turnover as employee vote with their feet, seeking roles that offer the flexibility they've come to value. Companies with rigid policies may find themselves fishing in a smaller talent pool, missing out on exceptional candidates who prioritise work arrangements that fit their lives.
Making the Transition Work for Everyone
If your business is heading back to the office, how you handle this transition can make all the difference between retention and resignation.
1. Think Local for New Hires: One practical solution we're seeing success with is focusing recruitment efforts on candidates who live within a reasonable distance of your office. This isn't just about convenience - it's about setting your new hires up for sustainable success in their roles.
At Oscar, we've developed strategies specifically for connecting businesses with outstanding local talent who are both qualified and realistically positioned for in-office work. We've found this approach significantly reduces early turnover related to commuting burnout.
2. Tell a Better Story About Office Benefits: If you're asking people to commute again, you need to make a compelling case for why it matters. Instead of mandates, focus on what employees gain:
- Mentorship opportunities that happen naturally in person.
- Clearer boundaries between work and home life.
- The social connections that make work more enjoyable.
- Learning that happens through observation and proximity.
3. Meet People Halfway: The most successful transitions we've seen acknowledge that people have reorganised their lives around remote work. Smart companies are:
- Introducing staggered start and finish times to help people avoid peak travel times.
- Offering travel subsidies to ease the financial burden.
- Reimagining office spaces to make them genuinely better that home - think great coffee, comfortable collaboration spaces, and technology that actually works!
Finding Your Path Forward
As we navigate this significant shift in how and where we work, having the right people on your team is more important than ever. Whether you're growing your business or replacing team members who've moved on to more flexible pastures, finding candidates who align with your workplace strategy is crucial.
At Oscar, we're helping businesses build teams that are prepared for today's workplace realities. If you're managing this transition and need support finding the right people, let's talk. Together, we can build a workplace strategy that works for your business and the people who make it successful.
