In recent months, as the ‘return to office’ rhetoric has provided ample fodder for reading, there are new suggestions that this counter measure to ‘work from home,’ is already reversing. A ‘counter to the counter’ so to speak. We believe that this new push-back from employees is solely against what ADAPTOVATE called the first wave of ‘return to office’ companies.

That is, the first wave including Amazon, Disney and Starbucks, Walmart and notably Twitter mandated a return to office with a striking lack of awareness for what the updated version of a work office should look like. And employees pushed back! The work office must change if companies are to encourage employees back to the office. As well, companies must recognise what employees need at home if hybrid work is to succeed.

As the world emerges from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, a crucial challenge lies ahead: reintegrating people back into office environments. The prolonged period of remote work has undoubtedly transformed our professional lives, altering the way we collaborate, work in teams, and solve problems.

This article explores the importance of returning to the office and providing valuable insights on reigniting the collaborative spirit and problem-solving capabilities that may have waned during this unprecedented time.

We believe that a second wave of companies looking to ask employees back to the office is emerging. This time it may work if we understand what’s changed, what’s now needed, and how do we super-serve a new type of employee.