Full-time office returns 'missed opportunity' amid demand for flexibility: report

Implementing full-time office return policies would be a "missed opportunity" for organisations as employees continue to prioritise flexibility, according to a whitepaper.

The whitepaper, released by Reward Gateway, stressed that embracing workplace flexibility is crucial in retaining talent.

"Some organisations might revert back to the way things were – but that would be a missed opportunity," the paper read.

In Australia, various employers, including Tabcorp, have begun asking employees to come back to the office five days a week. The organisation said the move is a "really important" reset aimed at delivering outcomes by being together as a team.

But Reward Gateway pointed out that a well-executed hybrid workplace can not only help organisations become a more attractive employer, but also improve engagement, collaboration, and connection.

"Consider how these changes can work for your business. Is your organisation debating whether it's worth implementing flexible work and supporting hybrid work modes?" the paper read.

Further steps to retention

But embracing flexibility is just one step to retaining employees, according to the paper.

"To stay competitive, business leaders have to look at their Employee Value Proposition and think about how it stacks up to the demands and expectations of today's employees," the paper read.

Other steps employers could take include fostering a sense of belonging and offering holistic support, it added.

"To stay ahead, employers need to think creatively about how to use their budgets effectively and enhance the financial, physical, and emotional support they offer their people."

Dive further into the steps to retain employees in this whitepaper from Reward Gateway.