Clocking In: Unveiling The Benefits Of In-Person Work

Companies that want their employees to return to the office should make sure they're aware of the benefits showing up has.

Interpersonal connections that foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and relationship building are difficult to achieve in a virtual work environment are the biggest reason businesses can point to, according to a study from CBRE. Employees also can benefit from the professional development that comes with mentorship, onboarding and learning.

The CBRE study found that 57% of companies that communicate the benefits of returning to the office report an average of attendance of three days per week or more.

"After almost four years, people need extra motivation to change their work habits, and communicating how the effort employees make to come into the office benefits them has proven to be an effective start to that process," said Julie Whelan, CBRE's global head of occupier research. "Ensuring the workplace and organizational culture delivers this value isn't easy, but it is imperative for better office attendance."

On average, corporate leaders want employees in the office 3.4 days per week, but the actual rate is 2.8 days, according to the report. Although they're informing employees of their expectations of being in the office, it doesn't seem to be enough to get them to work there more often.

But explaining the benefits isn't always enough, so many companies are taking additional steps aimed at encouraging employees to show up. Those steps include making sure leadership is in the office with the same expected frequency as employees, retraining managers on how to convey expectations around office attendance, hosting more or better events and investing in technology for use in the office.

More than half of respondents to the CBRE survey said they are reducing and repositioning their office footprint to improve the experience employees have when they're there.

"Companies are redesigning office space to accommodate new working patterns and reinforce the in-office benefits they are communicating to their employees, such as collaboration and community," said Lenny Beaudoin, CBRE's global head of workplace and design. "The strategy looks different for each company but could include upgrading services and amenities or relocating to a newer building that better meets their needs."

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