In-Office Work Schedules Spiking
52% of companies are requiring their employees to come into the office 1-4 days a week.
Nearly 50% of North American companies are expecting their talent in the office five days per week, according to a new report from VTS on office trends.
Flexibility has led the hybrid model to dominate since the post-pandemic return to office with 52% of companies requiring their employees to come into the office 1-4 days a week.
“As companies plan their 2024 office strategies, we see a noticeable increase in return-to-office mandates,” VTS said. “Unlike in 2023, defined by soft, nebulous policies fueled by a talent-centric labor market, there’s a conviction for a strong return-to-office into 2024.”
The oft-noted Kastle Systems survey of office going this week hit its highest point since the pandemic, with 51.6%. This back-to-work barometer which measures keycard office entries nationally, had been trending at about 50% for many months.
In-office policies are picking up speed, VTS reported. Compared to six months ago, 33% of North American companies are encouraging more time in office, the report said. And 51% of global respondents classify their talent as “positive” toward their workplace policy with 33% of global respondents saying employees feel very positive about their company’s workplace policy.
Additionally, 55% of companies expect to encourage or mandate more time in office six months from now while 37% of companies are looking to maintain their consistent workplace strategies in six months.
“It’s undeniable that companies are leaning toward more in-office time, but a softer “encouragement” approach is winning over a harder, potentially press-worthy misstep of mandating time in office,” VTS said.
The survey also showed that the 8% of companies looking to mandate or encourage less time in the office is a stark reminder that each tenant is unique.
As for having the necessary space, most companies (69%) say what they operate in is “just right.”
However, workplace collaboration, productivity, and culture are all interrelated factors to drive employee satisfaction.
“They all mean different things to every company,” according to VTS.
The firm also said to prepare to be nimble and partner with tenants.
“This can only be achieved with a direct communication channel and dialog between company executives and admins,” VTS said. “Once you understand their unique objectives, you’ll be equipped to deliver physical and digital experiences tailored to their needs.”