Harijs Švarcs: How to Work Moving Forward – Why Are Companies Returning to Offices?
21.06.2021
There is no single formula for how we will work in the future—each company must find its own approach. It is unlikely that we will find a million reasons why the office will more effectively compete with working from home, but there are certainly enough reasons—both from the perspective of businesses and employees.
Why do companies want to return to offices?
Before the pandemic, many companies designed their internal culture so that employees would spend as much time as possible in the office, rather than the other way around. They created modern offices, new work environments, and enriched them with various events and educational opportunities. They thought about how to attract employees and engage them in work and extracurricular activities. Accordingly, it makes sense to believe that at some point, when conditions are favorable, these companies will try again to create an environment where employees will want to come to work in person. In the office, employees will have everything necessary to work more efficiently, better, and more comfortably, rather than trying to stay at home. The office will remain the central hub of a company’s operations, and looking ahead, employees will be directed towards this center.
Overall, we have not yet heard any loud announcements from local companies about how they will operate, as we are still living in pandemic conditions, where employees should not come to work unless absolutely necessary. Leaders and company owners have not yet made final decisions, and many are still trying to fundamentally understand how they will work in the future. The exception is “Tet” and “Tele2”, which have already announced that they will offer their employees the opportunity to work remotely for up to three months per year.
Meanwhile, globally, “Amazon” has announced that they are returning to office work, as is “Microsoft,” which is even expanding its office spaces. At the same time, these large companies are thinking about how they will work in the office. “Microsoft” is considering a more team-based work model, for example, where each project has a dedicated team, and that team can choose different office locations—Boston, Seattle, etc. It is also important to understand that this company is based in the U.S., where the scale is completely different. We cannot draw direct parallels with Latvia, but I believe that the fact that the world’s leading IT and e-commerce companies are returning to offices says a lot.
At the same time, it should be noted that there are many companies whose employees work remotely and where both sides—the employees and the managers/owners—are satisfied with the arrangement. And, of course, there are lower costs associated with maintaining office spaces and employee socialization. Looking at it fundamentally, the reason for this is simple—these people have worked together for years, they know each other very well personally, and they have a unified work culture.
If this foundation has already been established, it is embedded in the company’s DNA, and all colleagues are well acquainted with each other, then, of course, even after a long time, they will be able to continue working remotely without any problems. However, if this continues for too long and employees begin to change, the company’s environment, culture, and way of working will also change, and at that moment, a host of seemingly unexpected problems may arise.
Many companies are considering—remote, hybrid, or fully in-office work?
Each company must answer for itself how it will work in the future. There is no single formula, no right or wrong answer. It’s similar to a doctor’s prescription—it’s impossible to prescribe the same medication to everyone. Some companies will choose a hybrid work model and open office spaces because they can successfully work and socialize this way, as it gives them energy. And there will be companies that will fully return to the office after the pandemic and choose an individual office system.
There are companies that already clearly understand how they will work in the future, but most are still figuring out whether remote work is suitable for them, how effective it will be, whether they will continue working remotely a few days a week, and whether this opportunity will be available to all employees or depend on the department and team. The opinions of owners and managers must also be considered, as not all are willing to work remotely, and not everyone likes it.
This is a very challenging time for HR professionals—right now, they are the “kings,” and their role is huge. They are responsible for defining how the organization will work in the future, and this can be critical in determining how satisfied and productive employees will be and how successful the company will be overall. This is an exciting and crucial time, which is why many companies are still trying to figure out their future work model.
For a hybrid office model to work successfully, companies will likely need to introduce many new internal policies.
• Which employees are allowed to work remotely, and which are not?
• How to ensure business continuity?
• How many days per week can employees work remotely?
• Should meetings be held in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format?
• How to collaborate with international colleagues?
There are many questions, and many things can only be figured out through real-world experience, experimentation, the use of new technologies, and openness to new ideas and solutions.
Future Developments
We are also pleased that our surrounding area is developing—a new, beautiful, and modern park is being built nearby, offering excellent recreation and relaxation opportunities for our employees. New public buildings are being developed, and new residential buildings are being constructed, complementing the existing Skanste’s educational and sports infrastructure around us, including the Banku Augstskola (Banking Institution of Higher Education), shopping centers, “Elektrum Olympic Center,” and “Arēna Rīga.”
These developments will further enhance the area’s appeal, offering an even more diverse and dynamic environment for employees.
