Hybrid Work
As someone who has been following the debates on hybrid and remote work for over five years now, I was particularly interested to see how mandated office days are playing out.
I thought I’d share a recent HDR article that quotes some recent research.
The conversation around returning to the office is far from settled. While some companies insist on in-office work for collaboration, others acknowledge that flexibility is now a fundamental expectation for employees.
Here are some key takeaways from the article:
✅ Mixed employee sentiment – While leadership may see mandated office days as a way to rebuild culture, many employees view them as restrictive and unnecessary.
✅ Younger workers prefer flexibility – Gen Z and millennials are particularly resistant to full-time office mandates, valuing autonomy and work-life balance.
✅ Collaboration vs. productivity trade-offs – While in-person interactions can enhance teamwork, many employees report being more productive when working remotely.
✅ Retention risks – Companies forcing full office returns risk losing talent to competitors offering hybrid or fully remote options.
✅ The evolving nature of work – Workplaces need to adapt to changing employee expectations rather than relying on outdated models of office culture.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: organisations that listen to their employees and find a balanced approach will have the best chance of attracting and retaining top talent.
Would love to hear your thoughts—has your company mandated office days? How is it working for you?
🔗 Read the HDR article here: CLICK HERE
