The ongoing debate between employers and employees regarding what constitutes a productive workday is a significant challenge in the return-to-office discussion. According to a study by economists Jose Maria Barrero, Nicholas Bloom, and Steven J. Davis, there are two key disconnects between managers and workers that are hindering the return to work efforts. First, workers believe that eliminating the commute leads to increased productivity because it gives them more time to work. Second, workers may not fully understand the managerial challenges of leading a remote workforce.
Workers perceive that saving time on commuting allows them to accomplish the same amount of work in less time, leading to a perceived boost in productivity. They then have more hours for other activities, including additional work. However, it's important to note that fully remote work is associated with 10% to 20% lower productivity than fully in-person work, according to WFH Research.
The discrepancy in perspective has been ongoing, with employees considering the elimination of commuting as a productivity increase, while employers see it as less value for their investment. Managers, particularly senior managers, are concerned about how a remote workforce would impact company culture and hinder opportunities for training and upskilling.
Managing a remote workforce presents challenges in communication, motivation, and building firm culture. It is harder to supervise, train, mentor, and promote talent development in a remote setting. Furthermore, remote work can limit opportunities for budding relationships with peers and hinder earning potential, particularly for young workers.
Middle managers, in particular, have become essential in navigating the evolving workplace norms. They face increased responsibilities and higher rates of burnout. In-person collaboration is crucial to address these issues and foster a thriving organizational culture. However, employers might underestimate employees' willingness to embrace the benefits of in-person work, especially among younger workers.
Fortunately, a flexible hybrid work schedule seems to be the solution to address the differing perspectives. It allows for a balance between in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. Implementing a hybrid schedule can help meet the needs and preferences of both employers and employees, fostering productivity and maintaining company culture.