Employers in the UK are looking to increase their office work to improve engagement

UK employers push for more in-office presence, largely because they believe it will boost engagement at work.

WTW’s research found that three out of five companies (60%) across a variety of industries had implemented a policy requiring employees to be at work for a certain number of days each week.

Flexible Work Models, a survey conducted by a global advisory and broking firm, revealed that the majority of employers believed face-to-face interaction increased employee engagement in teams (84%), and strengthened corporate culture (72%).

In a survey of 198 large and medium private sector employers, 69 percent also agreed that in-office work boosted learning opportunities for staff, especially junior employees.

This was in conflict with research which showed that 86% of employers believed a better balance between work and life improved employee engagement.

Other benefits noted by respondents included the ability to attract and retain staff for certain positions that would not be able to be filled without this option (82%), and an increase in employee retention (69%).

Over three-fifths (61%) did not have rules dictating which days the employees had to be present, and so were free to choose which days they wanted to work remotely.

Paul Richards, Europe Rewards Data Intelligence Leader at WTW said: “While employers balance both corporate and employee requirements by encouraging employees to return to the office for improved engagement and productivity, organizations will not be closer to improving team collaboration without a clearly defined structure around designated office days.

Leaders must rethink flexible work models using a structured approach that prioritizes the employee experience while achieving corporate goals.

He said that employers should seek feedback from employees and review their rewards and benefits to make sure they are aligned to employee needs and expectations. They should also consider realistic changes to motivate workers to return to work.

Even though formal policies have been introduced, only three out of five organisations (62%) promote office returns. One in four (25%) improves their facilities on site, such as gyms and dining options, or physical therapy, to encourage interactivity at work.

Gaby Joyner is the Europe head of employee experiences at WTW. She said: “There’s a competitive edge for organizations that can create and maintain a balance between their business goals and employees need for choice. The most progressive organisations engage with their employees to better understand their changing needs and to create an environment where every employee can do their best work. This includes understanding the different work styles and remote workers.

She advised organizations to look holistically at the entire employee experience to make hybrid working effective and meet both the needs of employees and employers. She continued: “This also includes looking at work environments, talent and rewards programmes and policies as well as leader and manager effectiveness, and culture.”

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