• Swindon & Wiltshire Experts
• Wednesday February 5 2025
• Author Name: Peter Jones

It’s time to bring your staff back into the office – the HR Dept

SMEs should follow the lead of big corporates and end the predominance of working from home, says Peter Jones of the HR Dept.

Businesses wanting to boost productivity among their teams and help their development should follow the lead of Amazon, BT and Asda and bring them back into the office.

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.

Amazon now requires 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 – 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.

Office environments foster dynamic discussions, encourage brainstorming, and allow teams to exchange ideas fluidly.”

A study by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found 63 per cent 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.

Working in the office will also 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, 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.

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.

Peter Jones, managing director of the HR Dept Swindon & Wiltshire, working with businesses across Swindon, Chippenham, Hungerford, Marlborough, Calne, Devizes, Burford, Lechlade and Carterton.