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Organizations continue to look for ways to entice employees to return onsite. I saw a headline in The Washington Post a couple of months ago saying “Bosses mean it this time: Return to the office or get a new job!” The article is what you would expect. While organizations would love employees to return to the office full-time, they are demanding that employees return to the office at least some of time. Right now, I think the common request is for employees to spend at least three days a week in the office.
On some level, I’m surprised that this return to onsite work conversation has lasted this long. But I also get it. Organizations don’t want employees to leave. So, they keep asking / pleading for employees to return.
Meanwhile, employees want the onsite work environment to get better with a focus on their wellbeing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2021 one-way commute to work was 27.6 minutes … an all-time high. So, if employees are going to face increasing commute times, they want to know that the work experience once they get there is going to be good. Honestly, how many people would drive for almost a half-hour only to be treated poorly for eight hours and then spend another half-hour going home? We wouldn’t do it in our personal lives, so why do it in our professional life?
However, a better work experience isn’t all about pizza parties and game tables. It’s about creating a work environment where employees feel safe and secure.
Work Is a Contributor to Wellbeing
Employees aren’t afraid of hard work. But they want to work someplace that acknowledges that work and puts programs in place to help when things get tough. Make the onsite work environment a place where employees can do the work and maintain their wellbeing. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be tough days. But if the number of tough days outnumbers the rest, then organizations need to ask themselves some hard questions.
Wellbeing Programs: Are Organizations Addressing the Cause
Organizations can promote wellness and wellbeing programs all day long, but if the company’s practices don’t support them, then employees will understand that the programs are simply for show. And the whole reason the program is being implemented (i.e., to help employees do their best work) will not materialize. Because employees will look for organizations that not only create programs but support them.
Workplace Violence Prevention Resources
Organizations need to have policies with zero tolerance for workplace violence. They need to educate employees on what to do if they are subject to or witness workplace violence. Human resources departments should be trained on how to properly investigate workplace violence concerns. And the organization needs to be prepared to act to prevent incidents and also deal with them if they happen.
Creating a Workplace First Responder Team
Hopefully, organizations create workplace first responder teams and never have to use them because they never have an incident. But I’m not sure that’s practical thinking. The time to think about emergency response is before you have an emergency.
I’m not opposed to having fun at work. That being said, organizations need to also think about the safety and wellbeing of their employees. I believe employees can have fun when they know the workplace is safe.
As organizations discuss the benefits of onsite work, don’t forget to talk about workplace safety and wellbeing. Make the onsite work experience worth the commute.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Tampa, FL
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