Want Employees Back in the Office? Here’s How to Give Them a Reason

4/11/2024

 

Return-to-office policies can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach anymore. With employees prioritizing flexibility and well-being, companies like Senoko Energy and APB Singapore are proving that the key to success lies in giving employees a compelling reason to return, beyond just productivity metrics

At a recent Google all-hands meeting, CEO Sundar Pichai assured employees that they would not be forced into the office five days a week, unlike Amazon’s newly announced policy. Google’s three-day in-office policy remains intact, with a focus on maintaining productivity on work-from-home days. However, the key takeaway here is that flexibility and employee satisfaction are becoming non-negotiable for today’s workforce.

employees

The Amazon Backlash: A Lesson for Employers

Amazon’s decision to mandate a five-day return to the office starting January 2025 has faced backlash from employees, underscoring a crucial point: Employee needs and preferences must be considered before making any sweeping decisions. The modern workforce has adapted to remote and hybrid work arrangements, and forcing them back into a rigid office schedule without considering their well-being can lead to disengagement and pushback.

Companies that ignore this shift could face higher turnover and reduced morale. Instead, as Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Singapore has shown, enabling employees to balance work and personal life is essential to retaining top talent.

Flexible Work Arrangements: More Than Just a Policy

For APB Singapore, flexibility is at the heart of their employee well-being strategy. The company has transitioned from a three-day to a four-day in-office policy, believing that the workplace is more than just a physical space. It’s a hub for collaboration, innovation, and fostering a unique company culture. As Shawn Ee, Cluster Head of People at The Heineken Company, puts it, the office is where “ideas flow, relationships strengthen, and the culture comes to life.”

To make the return-to-office experience positive, APB Singapore has implemented several well-being initiatives that encourage a healthier work-life balance. These include:

  • Email silence on weekends

  • No meetings during lunchtime or on Friday afternoons

  • Door-to-door shuttle services for employees

These small changes can make a big difference in how employees view the office and their role within the organization.

Flexible Work Arrangements: More Than Just a Policy employees

Hybrid Work at Senoko Energy: Flexibility Meets Productivity

At Senoko Energy, the largest power generation company in Singapore, hybrid work presents its own set of challenges. However, they’ve found ways to make it work by leveraging technology and focusing on results.

According to Joey Kwek, Head of Division for HR & Corporate Services at Senoko Energy, the company ensures flexibility and productivity go hand in hand by setting clear goals and maintaining open communication. Their definition of hybrid work extends beyond remote work, with policies like Shift Change, allowing plant employees to swap shifts to maintain work-life balance.

Furthermore, Senoko Energy takes a personalized approach by reviewing employee needs on a case-by-case basis. This flexibility has enabled some employees to work part-time, allowing them to manage personal commitments without compromising business needs.

Hybrid Work at Senoko Energy: Flexibility Meets Productivity employees

Creating a Compelling Reason to Return

The key takeaway from these examples is clear: Employees need more than just mandates to return to the office. Companies that focus on flexible work arrangements, well-being initiatives, and open communication will be far more successful in attracting employees back to the workplace.

Senoko Energy’s Joey Kwek highlights that employees remain an organization’s greatest asset. By supporting hybrid work and flexible arrangements, companies not only show they care about their teams but also create an environment that helps them retain top talent and attract new hires.

Key Lessons for Employers:

  1. Flexibility is a Priority: Employees want to balance work and personal life, and companies must provide that flexibility.

  2. Well-Being Initiatives Matter: From no-email weekends to shuttle services, simple perks can significantly improve how employees feel about returning to the office.

  3. Communication is Key: Open and transparent conversations with employees help tailor work arrangements to meet their needs.

As organizations continue to shape their return-to-office policies, it’s clear that understanding employee preferences and providing them with tangible reasons to return will be the key to success.

For contact and support:

Facebook: NIC Global – Human Resource Solutions
Linkedin: NIC Global Sourcing JSC
Website: www.nicvn.com
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 0981.23.43.76
Address:

  • Hanoi Office: No. 3A Thi Sach, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh City Office: Dakao Center Building, 35 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

See more:
Payroll service
Staffing service
EOR service

Your Tailored

HR Solution

Share on

Facebook
LinkedIn

    LIÊN HỆ VỚI CHÚNG TÔI

    Bài viết liên quan

    multigenerational workforce
    How to Build a Multigenerational Workforce That Fits Your Business Needs

    How to Build a Multigenerational Workforce That Fits Your Business Needs 29/11/2024 Hiring across generations isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about building a team that thrives on diverse perspectives and skills. From Baby Boomers seeking job security to Gen Z employees looking for growth opportunities, understanding generational differences can help your business attract and […]

    Subway Franchise Ownership: What You Need to Know Before Investing

    Subway Franchise Ownership: What You Need to Know Before Investing 28/11/2024 If you’ve ever considered owning a franchise, Subway might have crossed your mind. As the world’s largest restaurant chain, Subway boasts over 44,000 locations in 110 countries, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. But before you dive into franchise ownership, it’s essential to […]

    workflow
    What is Workflow? A Guide to Optimizing Work Processes

    What is Workflow? A Guide to Optimizing Work Processes for Business Efficiency 27/11/2024 Effectively managing work processes is crucial for enhancing competitiveness in any business. Workflow provides a structured approach to organizing tasks, increasing productivity, and eliminating redundant processes. Let’s dive into how to optimize Workflow for maximum business efficiency. 1. What is Workflow? Workflow […]

    Giải pháp nhân lực thiết kế riêng biệt​

    Để lại email, nhận tin tức và tài liệu mới nhất về lĩnh vực nhân sự