This is the third of four podcast episodes on the Return to Office Strategies. For the full scoop, listen to the podcast episodes.
Return to Office? Companies, Read the Room
Return to office isn’t just about reopening desks. It’s a cultural shift that can make or break retention, engagement, and performance.
What not to do:
- Mandate office days “just because” — no purpose, no buy-in.
- Drag people in only to sit on Zoom all day.
- Push a five-day office model — it’s outdated.
- Favor in-office folks for promotions, leaving hybrid and remote workers behind.
What’s working:
- Four-day work weeks. Studies show they boost productivity and cut absenteeism.
- Design the office with intention. Collaboration zones, quiet spaces — not just a sea of desks.
- Focus days and no-meeting policies. Protect deep work time. Abdo’s four annual focus weeks? Chef’s kiss.
- Clear hybrid expectations. Define which work is truly “in-office” and what can be remote.
- Promote equity. Measure performance on outcomes, not hours. Create digital-first communication to include everyone.
Power tip:
Don’t force fun. Build meaningful connections through mentorship and real collaboration, not mandatory happy hours.
Bottom line:
Treat return to office as a strategic opportunity, not a compliance drill. Companies that get this right keep top talent and create workplaces people actually want to join.
Need help? Check out the book Reclaim Your Workday: Sustainable Productivity Strategies for the New World of Work.
