Home Working or Office Working? What side of the fence do you sit on?

With the increasing demand for flexible work options, working out whether you want people home, office or hybrid can be really difficult.

We’ve seen a move with large corporates mandating 4 or 5 days back in the office but we’ve also seen the negative backlash. How do you balance operational needs with employee satisfaction?

On one hand, in-person collaboration is essential for innovation, team cohesion, and business growth. On the other, employees want to feel trusted and supported, with flexible arrangements that allow them to do their best work. If businesses get this balance wrong, they risk disengaged teams, high turnover, and even reputational damage. But if they get it right, they cultivate a productive, happy, and loyal workforce.

So, how can you ensure your workplace is working for everyone? Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Create Space for Honest Conversations

Before making sweeping changes, take the time to listen to your employees. Gathering feedback through surveys, focus groups, or one-to-one discussions gives you insight into their needs and concerns. Open dialogue helps uncover potential challenges and ensures that any workplace policies introduced truly benefit your team and the business.

2. Be Clear and Consistent

Structure and clarity are crucial when implementing working practices. Define clear expectations around flexible work and ensure they align with business goals. For example, if junior employees need in-office time to learn from senior colleagues, build policies that accommodate both mentoring and remote work. Regularly assess what’s working and adjust as necessary, keeping communication open to maintain alignment.

3. Focus on Workplace Culture

A thriving workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional effort. Whether it’s recognising achievements, fostering inclusivity, or offering career development opportunities, every initiative contributes to a positive environment. Creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired leads to higher engagement and retention.

Final Thoughts

The workplace landscape is shifting, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is finding the right balance between business needs and employee expectations. By prioritising communication, clarity, and culture you can create a workplace that supports both operational success and employee well-being.