The results of our return-to-office survey are in and offer some important insights for business leaders. We received feedback from 24 participants across industries such as Legal, Biotechnology, and Professional Services, with the majority representing small companies (1–49 employees, 66.67%). Here are the key findings (along with some participant observations):
KEY FINDINGS
In-person collaboration may be essential depending on the role.
83.33% of respondents consider in-person collaboration essential or somewhat essential, though many emphasized the role-specific nature of this need.
Virtual work was seen as effective for some, but in-person settings foster ad hoc mentorship and spontaneous collaboration.
"Hybrid setups can work, but roles like lab work, customer service, and leadership may require more in-office presence."
Productivity did not appear to diminish, and often increased, with remote work.
Remote Work Productivity:
41.67% reported that 76–100% of their team maintained or improved productivity remotely.
Hybrid models were particularly effective, with many suggesting 2–3 office days per week.
"Hybrid makes it work. In the beginning, it was 100% at home, now 2 days in the office really helps everyone to be more engaged."
Accountability, collaboration and delays present the main challenges of remote work.
Accountability (27.27%) and collaboration (27.27%) were the primary challenges in managing remote teams.
Teams working remotely faced delays in communication compared to in-person discussions.
"Email back and forth (e.g. follow-ups & clarifications take more time and interrupt other tasks in comparison to a face-to-face meeting.) Videoconference can be more efficient than email but requires scheduling (unlike popping into a colleague's office)."
Offering remote options helps with employee retention.
66.67% believe offering flexibility is crucial for retaining top talent, citing employee preferences for hybrid and remote options.
"I believe we have kept our employees through hard times because we offer flexibility and hybrid. It is a benefit to wake up Monday morning and just roll over to your workspace at home rather than head to the office. A mental break even though you know you will be working all day."
The best way to measure the success of work policies is employee feedback (25%) and business outcomes (25%).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Prioritize flexible models tailored to specific roles to balance productivity and engagement.
Invest in tools and processes that enhance virtual communication and accountability. (example here)
Ensure leadership presence to foster culture and team cohesion.
Regularly gather employee input to adapt policies to evolving needs.
Click below for more details and graphic depictions from the results.
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