We are currently reviewing our hybrid policy and wondered if many others were; increasing the ask for days in the office for 2025 and how you are currently approaching non compliance to your policy. We currently expect 2-3 days in the office per week but considering move to 3 as standard. We have a lot of colleagues failing to attend the office at all and considering starting more formal conversations to tackle this. Any insights welcome. We are particularly concerned about impact of reduced flexible working on particular groups as well as colleague wellbeing
Hi Marissa, Any changes to hybrid mandate is a tricky one for the management for sure. Any policy is intended for all employees of an organization, however, there are several employee groups who may thrive on more days in the office and others not so. I have heard first hand some new starters & those in early career stages do benefit and wish to come in to the office more. On the other hand, employees with eg disability, carers and/or neuro diverse group would benefit from regular check-ins to support any flexibility needs with the changing business requirements.
Hi Marissa,
I think clear thought needs to be given to impact of reduced flexible working and also work life balance. Having experienced this in my career I think the one thing that I would stress is for the business to address the lack of attendance initially.
If you have the majority of employees coming in at least 2 days a week I would certainly advised that those who aren't attending at all are spoken to. Perhaps after that attendance can be monitored and then see if a 3 days is needed? There is a risk that those who are complying now (I'm assuming the majority of employees) will end up being frustrated due to a policy change driven by the minority who aren't complying with the policy. Perhaps after addressing those aren't attending a communication can be sent out company wide reminding everyone? That might prompt a bit of action and if a policy change is made to 3 days it won't come as a surprise.