With the gradual return to in-person activities in companies, the challenge arises of making the work environment more attractive to employees who have become accustomed to the flexibility of working from home.

To ensure a smooth and motivating transition, it is essential to adopt strategies that value the well-being and productivity of professionals.

End of Home Office? How to engage in the return to in-person work.

First and foremost, it is more than essential to promote open dialogue with employees. If the company's reality no longer allows for the work-from-home model, it is extremely important to discuss with employees the return to the office.

Furthermore, it is essential to allow each employee to plan their return trip, as logistics, costs, and the professional and personal impact must be considered.

Furthermore, understanding their concerns and expectations regarding the return to in-person work allows the company to make decisions aligned with the team's needs.

Remember: active listening strengthens trust and demonstrates respect for employees' opinions.

Flexibility and hybrid models

Before returning to in-person work, it's worth exploring the possibility of hybrid models, which allow for greater flexibility for teams.

In other words, allowing employees to alternate between remote and in-person work caters to different realities and preferences, promoting a balance between professional and personal life.

Welcoming work environment

Restructuring physical spaces to make them more comfortable and functional is one way to encourage a return to the office.

Environments that foster collaboration and well-being contribute to employee satisfaction and engagement.

Benefits and incentives aligned with new needs.

Of course, reviewing and adapting benefits packages is essential to meet the current demands of professionals. For example, offering benefits such as transportation subsidies, on-site meals, and wellness programs can make returning to in-person work more attractive, in addition to being a basic requirement for those organizations that have no alternative but to return to the office.

Integration and development programs

Implementing activities that promote integration and professional development, such as workshops and team-building events, strengthens bonds between employees and reinforces the organizational culture. These initiatives contribute to a more cohesive and motivating work environment.

Below are some examples of top-tier team-building and training & development programs:

• The Five Behaviors Team Development or The 5 BehaviorsIt helps create healthy environments and teams that are engaged and aligned with the company culture. This is what happened at Electrolux LATAM. Read more here.
• Connection, Communication and CollaborationIt helps create an environment where difficult conversations give way to empathetic dialogues, strong and connected teams, and the development of emotional intelligence.
• Effective CommunicationIt helps develop teams aligned with effective, assertive, and more human communication.
• DiSC Workplace WorkshopIt allows for the building of more functional relationships in the workplace, whether in a work-from-home or in-person model.
• The Art of FeedbackIt helps in developing more efficient and direct conversations.