Companies now urge more office time, changing remote work dynamics, notes Careerlist CEO
In the wake of the pandemic's forced remote work era, companies are progressively recalibrating their policies to encourage or require more in-office time, marking a “significant shift” in workplace dynamics, according to Michael Scissons, founder and CEO of Careerlist.
Speaking with BNN Bloomberg, Scissons observed a trend away from the initial acceptance of remote work towards a model where many businesses, particularly public and mid-market private equity firms, now expect employees to work from the office at least three days a week.
This shift is not just limited to the broader workforce; senior position holders who previously enjoyed a more remote work profile are finding themselves expected to make in-office appearances every other week, even if it necessitates flying in.
“There's definitely been a significant shift back to the office,” Scissons remarked, noting the ongoing debate over workplace location preferences.
The enforcement and expectations around this shift vary widely depending on geographical location and industry.
For instance, states like Florida and Texas, which maintained more lenient in-office work policies during the pandemic, now see a different hybrid or remote working landscape compared to other areas.
The discrepancy between employee desires, particularly among those with families, and company expectations regarding in-office attendance is growing.
Scissons points out that companies are adopting diverse strategies to enforce these new in-office policies.
While some organizations offer a choice, indicating that remaining a remote worker might limit promotion opportunities, others have adopted a more stringent “you're in or you're out” approach. This varied enforcement signals a clear expectation from employers for increased office presence.
Despite the tension between employers and employees keen on preserving their remote or hybrid work status, Scissons believes that the trend will lean towards more employees returning to the office over time.
However, he acknowledges that remote and hybrid opportunities will still exist for those who seek them, albeit they may be more challenging to find than in the past.
Reflecting on the job market, Scissons suggests, “You get to choose your own adventure; there will be great adventures for people who want to go back in the office.”
He also highlights the tougher job search reality for remote workers laid off during the pandemic, emphasizing that securing a new remote position has become significantly more difficult.
