While many companies advocate for increased in-office time, employees may not always align with these expectations. This misalignment underscores the importance of effectively communicating the value proposition of the office and creating a workplace culture that supports it. Here’s how businesses can bridge the gap and boost office attendance:

1. Recognizing the Mission-Critical Role of the Office

A survey conducted by CBRE and CoreNet Global revealed that 92% of corporate leaders believe the office is integral to ensuring corporate success. However, there’s a disconnect between leadership expectations and employee behavior regarding office attendance. While leaders anticipate employees being in the office an average of 3.4 days per week, the actual rate is 2.8 days. To address this gap, companies must articulate and reinforce the value proposition of the office to employees.

2. Communicating the Value Proposition of the Office

Effective communication is key to encouraging more excellent office attendance. Two-thirds of survey respondents reported having clearly defined and communicated the value proposition of the office to their employees. This includes emphasizing the importance of interpersonal connections for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and relationship building. Companies that effectively communicate the value of the office see higher attendance rates, with 57% reporting employees in the office more than three days per week.

3. Aligning Workplace Culture with Attendance Expectations

Companies must focus on aligning workplace culture with the benefits of office attendance. This involves change management strategies such as having corporate leaders act as role models for desired attendance rates, retraining managers to set new team standards, and reorienting employees hired during the pandemic to encourage office attendance. Such efforts are crucial for closing the gap between attendance expectations and employee behavior.

4. Strategically Positioning Office Assets

Many companies are downsizing their office footprints and strategically positioning their assets to align with the value proposition of the office. This includes redesigning offices to accommodate new working patterns, upgrading services and amenities for a better in-office experience, and relocating to newer buildings with modern features. Companies can enhance the office’s appeal and drive corporate success by optimizing workplace design and amenities.

5. Measuring Workplace Effectiveness

Metrics such as employee engagement, retention, and space utilization provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of workplace strategies. By monitoring these metrics, companies can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize the workplace experience.

By effectively communicating the value proposition of the office, aligning workplace culture with attendance expectations, and strategically positioning office assets, businesses can create a workplace that attracts and retains talent while driving corporate success.