The working landscape has drastically changed in the past couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many companies transitioning to working remotely. However, as we move forward, there has been a noticeable shift back toward working on-site for many companies.
According to recent statistics from Zippia, while in-office work is now very much possible, 68% of U.S. employees prefer to remain working remotely, with only 56% feeling comfortable about returning to the office. Employers, meanwhile, are on the fence about letting their staff work outside of the office full-time, with 68% saying that employees should be at the office at least three days per week to build and maintain company culture.
While remote employees can be beneficial for many industries, there are certain advantages to working on-site that need to be taken into consideration. If your teams are working remotely, but you want to transition back to having them in the office, you need to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.
This article provides insight on how to smoothly transition from remote work to working in person in a traditional office environment. We also discuss the benefits of having a hybrid or on-site setup and mention some top BestCompaniesAZ partners that provide work for those looking to adopt this shift.
Tips for Transitioning To Working On-Site
How you transition your staff to working on-site will depend greatly on the size and industry of your business. But here are a few tips that can help you implement the shift to fully in-person or hybrid settings as smoothly as possible:
1. Start planning early.
Before you make a decision about transitioning your team back to working on-site, it’s important that you plan ahead. Make sure you have enough physical office space to accommodate everyone and that there is proper ventilation (if needed). In addition, it’s essential to devise a plan for how you will handle working hours, layout, and other aspects of working on-site.
2. Communicate with your team.
It’s important that everyone understands the new working arrangements. Talk to staff members individually or in small groups so they can ask questions and raise any concerns they may have. Dialogue and consultation are key to ensuring a successful transition. Employees should be informed of any changes to working hours, safety protocols, and remote working options.
4. Make working on-site a choice.
It’s important to remember that remote work policies have many benefits, and some employees may prefer to stay working from home even if they have the option of working in the office.
Offer staff members the choice and flexibility they need, so they can make decisions that suit their individual circumstances and personal lives. Of course, some industries like retail or hospitality may require working on-site. In this regard, employers should ensure that working conditions are safe and that working hours are reasonable for their staff.
5. Introduce new working arrangements.
If you are transitioning to working on-site, it’s a good idea to consider introducing some form of flexible working. This can include working from home one or two days a week and allowing staff members more control over their work hours. The good thing we all learned about the pandemic is that working remotely can be just as effective, provided the right priorities are set. You might want to realign your company’s goals and strategies to make hybrid work settings more feasible.
Welcome On-Site Work Again
The advantages of working on-site should not be overlooked. Being in an office provides opportunities for collaboration, brainstorming, and networking that working remotely can somehow achieve, but with limitations. That’s not to mention that there are employees who do favor working on-site because it can help boost productivity and focus, as well as allow them to feel more connected with their colleagues.
Transitioning from remote work to office settings does not have to be seen as a black-and-white situation, as both do offer advantages depending on the nature of the work and the industry. With that being said, working on-site or trying a hybrid setup can certainly be a great way to reintroduce some semblance of normalcy and working routines into the lives of employees.
Benefits of Transitioning from Remote Work to Working On-Site
In today’s dynamic work environment, the debate between remote, on-site, and hybrid work models is ever-evolving. While remote work offers flexibility and comfort, there are undeniable career growth advantages associated with on-site and hybrid arrangements.
- Networking Opportunities: On-site work facilitates spontaneous conversations, chance meetings at the coffee machine, or brainstorming sessions in the breakout areas. Such interactions, though serendipitous, often lead to creative ideas and new collaborations. Moreover, being physically present allows employees to develop relationships with a broader range of colleagues, including senior management, which can be instrumental in long-term career advancement.
- Visibility: Being present in the office can sometimes equate to increased visibility. Managers and leadership often gravitate towards those they see and interact with regularly. This visibility can be crucial during discussions of promotions, new projects, or opportunities that arise within the organization.
- Learning through Osmosis: On-site settings often provide a unique advantage of learning through observation. Being in proximity to seasoned professionals and being able to watch them negotiate, problem-solve, or even present can offer invaluable lessons that are hard to glean from virtual interactions.
- Structured Learning and Development: Companies tend to offer more structured training sessions, workshops, and seminars on-site. While these can sometimes be replicated online, the interactive and hands-on nature of in-person learning can often make it more effective.
- Access to Resources: On-site and hybrid models ensure employees have optimal access to company resources, whether it’s specialized software, tools, or even colleagues with specific expertise. Such accessibility can accelerate project completion and personal skill enhancement.
- Work-Life Balance: A hybrid model, in particular, strikes a balance between the benefits of remote and on-site work. It allows employees to manage their schedules better, ensuring they’re present for key meetings and collaboration while also giving them the freedom to work remotely, reducing commute stress and offering flexibility.
- Organizational Culture & Bonding: Being present on-site, even periodically in a hybrid model, immerses employees in the organizational culture. Transitioning from remote work to working hybrid or on-site can lead to a better understanding of company values, enhanced team bonding, and a heightened sense of belonging.
In an evolving professional landscape, each work model presents its unique set of advantages. While remote work emphasizes flexibility, the on-site and hybrid models provide distinct opportunities for networking, skill development, and immersion in organizational culture. Ultimately, the choice between these models should be influenced by individual career aspirations and the growth benefits they offer.
Find On-Site Work Through BestCompaniesAZ
In Arizona, there are a number of companies that are hiring for both remote and on-site work. BestCompaniesAZ is working with a number of partners to help bring the best job opportunities to Arizona’s working professionals, regardless of their environmental preferences. These companies are focused on making working conditions as safe, comfortable, and productive as possible while allowing employees to also make their own choices.
Some of the top organizations that have opportunities for those looking to transition from remote work to working on-site or hybrid include:
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest and most established credit unions in the region. The company acknowledges the evolving workplace dynamics and offers roles that can be either hybrid or on-site. By embracing this flexibility, DFCU ensures that its employees have the optimal environment for productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance.
Check out available work opportunities at DFCU.
Donor Network of Arizona
Donor Network of Arizona, an organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation, offers both hybrid and on-site roles as well. This flexible approach ensures that employees can work efficiently while remaining deeply connected to the company’s life-saving mission.
Check out the current job openings at Donor Network of Arizona.
KUBRA
KUBRA, a technology company focused on cloud-based customer experience management solutions embraces a hybrid approach. Ease into their hybrid schedule with 3 days working from home and 2 days in the office. When in the office, you can expect valuable face-to-face collaboration time, unlimited coffee, a ton of social and wellness events, free healthy snacks, local volunteer opportunities and an onsite gym.
USAA
USAA, a leading financial services provider dedicated to serving military members and their families, provides work opportunities for those looking to transition from remote work to on-site. Recognizing the evolving nature of work preferences, the institution remains at the forefront of adapting to the diverse needs of its workforce while upholding its service standards.
See which positions match your skills and experience at USAA.
Workiva
Workiva, known for its expertise in delivering top-tier solutions for data collaboration, reporting, and compliance, is actively seeking professionals who prefer on-site or hybrid work environments. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to both innovation and accommodating the diverse work preferences of its growing team.
Find out which positions are available for on-site or hybrid work at Workiva.
These are just some of the few companies partnered with BestCompaniesAZ that provide working opportunities for people looking to transition from remote work to working hybrid or in-person.
Interested in learning what other opportunities are out there? Browse more jobs at some of the best employers in Arizona and beyond.
