During the pandemic, we all realized that working from home is not an obstacle to effective interaction. However, after a few years of working in this format, we still missed office life, offline meetings and personal communication with colleagues, and jokes about a stapler in jelly.

So, let’s see if the office really affects work efficiency using the example of newage.agency.

Hybrid format as an optimal solution

If you ask me: “Vika, how do you feel about the 5/2 work schedule in the office?”, I will answer, “It’s a cringe!” In my opinion, a hybrid work format is the best solution for companies. It allows you to combine the benefits of working in the office with the comfort of working from home. Still, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide employees with all the comfortable working conditions. 

Besides, I believe that going to the office should have advantages over working from home: air conditioning, cool office equipment, delicious snacks, lunches, board games, team building and various cool things that will motivate you to work in the office. Of course, we all like to spend time in our comfortable shell at home. Nothing compares to this, of course, but on the other hand, you need to change the view and somehow diversify your corporate life, and I believe that the hybrid work format is just the best for this. 

In general, newage.’s experience shows that this approach has a positive impact on employee productivity and the overall team atmosphere.

Impact of the office on adaptation and training

The impact of the office on the onboarding and training of new employees is particularly noticeable. According to our observations, employees who undergo adaptation in the office, especially at entry-level positions, learn the necessary skills faster and understand work processes better. In addition, we at the agency use many tools that are very difficult to teach remotely. Still, it’s much easier when you sit next to a colleague and they clearly show you what to do, where to click, and why. If it’s a remote collaboration, you have to call the call, this person has to find free time… It’s more complicated, and it adds up to a 2x adaptation time. 

Individual approach

It’s important to understand that the impact of the office on work efficiency can vary depending on the position and individual characteristics of the employee. Some positions, such as media buyers or designers, may not need to be in the office all the time. At the same time, for project teams or specialists in training, working in the office can be critical.

Conclusion

To summarize, the office does have an impact on work efficiency, but this impact is not unambiguous. A hybrid work format that combines the benefits of office and remote work is the best solution. It is important to take into account the individual needs of each employee and the specifics of different positions.

As an HR specialist, I recommend that companies be flexible in organizing their workspace and listen to the needs of their employees. After all, the ultimate goal is to create conditions that will allow each employee to maximize their potential and perform their duties effectively.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Impact of the Office on Work Efficiency

Does working in an office really improve efficiency?

An office can have a positive impact on productivity, team collaboration, and the speed of resolving work-related issues. However, its effectiveness depends on the employee’s role, specific tasks, and the comfort of the workspace itself.

Why is hybrid work considered an optimal model?

A hybrid work model combines the benefits of remote work with in-person office interaction. It gives employees greater flexibility while preserving opportunities to communicate with the team face-to-face, learn from colleagues, and participate in company life.

How does the office affect the onboarding of new employees?

In the office, new employees can get answers faster, observe how their colleagues work, and learn tools and processes through direct interaction. This is especially important for junior specialists and roles that require intensive training.

Do all employees need to work from the office regularly?

No. For some specialists, regular office attendance is not necessary if they can perform their tasks effectively remotely. However, the office can be much more valuable for project teams, new employees, or team members who are still undergoing training.

What should an office offer to make employees want to work there?

An office should provide comfortable working conditions and benefits that employees may not have at home, such as a convenient workspace, proper equipment, air conditioning, meals, and dedicated spaces for communication, learning, and team activities.