It’s time to bring your staff back into the office, say HR experts

Businesses wanting to boost productivity among their teams and help their development should bring them back into the office.

That’s the advice of HR experts at Swindon-based HR Dept, who believe SMEs should follow the lead of big corporates and end the predominance of working from home.

“Recent moves by corporate giants like Amazon, BT, and Asda to bring their teams back to the office have reignited the debate on the merits of in-office work,” said Peter Jones, Managing Director of the HR Dept.

“Amazon now require staff to work at least three days a week in the office, BT have mandated three to four days for key roles, and Asda has announced plans for a structured hybrid model.”

The working from home model came to the fore in the pandemic, but – five years on – Peter believes now is a good time to make office-based or hybrid working the norm.

“While video platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have proven invaluable, they can’t replicate the spontaneity and energy of in-person collaboration,” said Peter. “Office environments foster dynamic discussions, encourage brainstorming, and allow teams to exchange ideas fluidly.”

Peter cited a study by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which found 63% of organisations believe in-person working boosts collaboration and innovation - a significant factor in driving business success.

As employees have immediate access to colleagues and resources, it also reduces delays and ensures smoother operations.

“Working in the office will particularly benefit younger, less experienced employees, or those beginning a new career, who will find it easier to access hands-on training and mentoring. There is no substitute for the informal learning that takes place simply by being present, and observing and shadowing colleagues.”

Importantly, Peter stressed working in the office would help develop teamwork and a positive company culture, and was generally better for employees’ mental health.

“Isolation because of prolonged remote working has been linked to rising mental health issues, including feelings of loneliness and burnout. Offices offer structured environments where employees can form social connections, access support networks, and achieve a better work-life balance.”

More widely, the local economy benefits from employees coming into work. Local cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets thrive when office workers return, creating a ripple effect that supports jobs and communities.

However, Peter stressed that any change to working patterns shouldn’t be brought in overnight.

“Like the big corporates, businesses will need to draw up and implement structured return-to-office policies.”

And he said working in the office did not mean an end to flexible working, which is a key element of the government’s new employment legislation.

“Every organisation is unique, and policies should be tailored to meet the needs of the business and its employees. Hybrid models - combining the best of both worlds - can provide a balanced approach that fosters collaboration while respecting individual preferences and lifestyles.”

For help and advice on drawing up a return-to-work policy, get in touch with the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds/, email Managing Director Peter Jones: [email protected] or call 01793 683 398.

Peter and his team work with businesses across Swindon, Chippenham, Hungerford, Marlborough, Calne, Devizes, Burford, Lechlade and Carterton, and have a sister company working with businesses based in London.