Going back to the Office? Make It Worth the Trip
So, your team’s been working from home, maybe doing hybrid, maybe fully remote. And now you’re thinking, it might be time to bring people back into the office. You're not alone. More employers are starting to push for in-person work again.
But here's the truth: you can’t just flip a switch and expect everyone to be excited about traffic jams and long commutes. If you want people to show up, not just physically but mentally, you’ve got to make the office worth coming back to.
Let’s break down how.
Make the Office Feel Like a Place People Want to Be
Think about it: if the workspace still looks like a 90s cubicle farm, no one’s rushing to return. People need spaces that help them focus, connect, and feel comfortable.
For admin teams? Quieter zones with good lighting.
For contact centres? Better acoustic setups for calls and spaces to chill in between.
For everyone? A space that doesn’t feel like punishment.
Offices don’t need to be fancy, but they do need to feel human.
Talk About What They’ll Gain, Not What They’ll Lose
Saying “You have to come back” doesn’t inspire much. Instead, talk about what they’ll actually get out of being in the office.
Need quick support? Easier when your teammates’s just across the table. Got a problem? Solve it in five minutes instead of a Teams meeting that drags on for hours.
Want to grow? In-person coaching and career chats hit differently.
For admin and contact centre staff, especially, the right in-office setup can help with speed, confidence, and support.
Flexibility’s No Longer a Bonus. It’s the Bare Minimum
Let’s be real. Most employees now expect some form of hybrid. Studies show over half of local employees prefer a mix of home and office days, and nearly 40% say they’d quit if forced back full time.
So even if you want more people in the office, try to meet them halfway:
Maybe 3 days in, 2 days out.
Or team-specific plans that reflect how they actually work.
The goal? Structure with breathing room.
Bring Back the Buzz with the Little Things
You don’t need a massive budget to make people feel good about coming in. Just… make it a bit fun again.
Surprise lunches (who says no to free lunch)
Free fruits every Monday
Festive potlucks
Coffee that doesn’t taste like regret.
Small wins celebrated with laughter.
People miss the connection. Bring it back.
Help Managers Lead the Way
Some team leads were promoted during the remote era and may have never managed an in-office team before.
Others are still figuring out how to juggle hybrid dynamics.
Train them. Coach them. Give them tools to lead with empathy and not just attendance trackers. And most importantly? Teach them that micromanaging kills morale. Trust builds performance. No one thrives under a manager who’s always breathing down their neck.
Because no one quits a company, but they quit a manager who doesn’t get it.
Final Wrap
Returning to the office doesn’t have to feel like a step backward. Done right, it can feel like a reset. A fresh start. A better way to work together.
Don’t push people back, but pull them in with purpose.
To find out about the services Manpower provides for employers, click here.
