As companies grapple with the "remote work" revolution, a tug of war emerges. From incentives to downsizing, there’s a nuanced dance going on between businesses and employees.

Companies are playing a risky game of tug-of-war with their employees, pulling them back into the office fold, but workers are resisting, with many embracing the freedom of remote work. The battleground is set, and as businesses push for a physical return.

Incentives and Office Dynamics: A Delicate Balancing Act

In this intricate ballet of workplace dynamics, companies are increasingly insisting on their employees' physical presence, driven by concerns over collaboration, communication, professional development, and fostering a sense of belonging. This general feeling is backed up by findings revealed in a report from Robin, an American flexible work platform. Robin discovered that 88% of surveyed American companies mandate that employees work a certain number of days in the office.

Yet, the battleground isn't just about dragging workers back—it's a nuanced struggle involving office downsizing, soaring expenses, and the need to strike a balance between remote flexibility and in-person engagement.

As the recent implosion of WeWork suggests, office space is expensive, and there’s no easy answer.

Smaller Offices?

While companies push for in-office mandates, Robin’s report reveals a surprising twist: only 28% of the businesses utilize 100% of their office space. Why? The financial burden of maintaining office spaces in a world where remote work is still very much alive is immense. Offices are downsizing, with 80% reducing their space since the pandemic's onset.

🤔 To office or not to office? To mandate or not to mandate?

We're going into a new year, but we're still asking the same questions.

Our questions may be the same, but the office sure isn't. 🏢⤵️https://t.co/KRhhZkGeyW

— Robin (@robinpowered) November 7, 2023

Flexibility?

The problem is, there’s no clear data on whether or not remote work actually harms productivity. Goldman Sachs, for example, can’t seem to come down one way or the other. What is certain, is that people have learnt how to be productive away from the office and talk about about making the situation permanent has been going on for years.

What is clear, however, is that flexibility is incredibly important to workers these days. Medically speaking, there’s no doubt, working from home makes people healthier, and happier.

Luring People Back In

As the tension rises, companies are exploring creative ways to keep their employees tethered to the office. Incentives, from free lunches to salary bumps, are becoming the weapons of choice in this tug-of-war.

The question remains: Can businesses find the right incentives to make the return to the office a compelling choice, or will the workforce continue to resist, preferring the freedom and flexibility of remote work? And does it matter anyway?