The announcement of COVID-19 vaccine trials by US-based pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and Moderna has again fueled the conversation around remote working vs. return to office. While the success rate of 95% seems a positive sign, managing the data, implementation, and availability of vaccines remains a big challenge for the entire world. In such situations, companies are still in a dilemma whether to call their employees back to the office or let them choose between work from home and hybrid working.
There is no denying that office culture creates an energy that binds employees together and makes collaboration and innovation easier. Face-to-face meetings and communication have a great impact on daily operations and functions. But at the same time, safety is a prime concern for everyone including the management and the employees. While vaccine trials are showing good results, the success will depend on the high levels of public participation and the availability of vaccines in a timely manner. This entire process may push the work from home approach for a longer period, which in result may hamper in-person collaboration and development opportunities.
So how organizations can understand what their people think of this entire situation? How to know if their employees want to return to the office or if they would like to continue from home? Honestly, the answer lies in providing employees with a choice – whether remote, work from home or hybrid. It is a matter of safety and employees should be given a choice based on their own willingness and decision. Work is happening anyway and by allowing employees to make their own decisions on their own lives, organizations can retain talents in longer terms.
While the world is eagerly waiting for vaccines to reach their door, the trial is on for both companies and employees too. Organizations can set the work-life boundaries to take care of overall well being of their employees. On the other hand, employees can keep supporting their employer while utilizing technology, communication, and patience as a tool for collaboration. In the end, the real test for organizations is to find a balance between ensuring employee safety and keeping their work culture alive.