How To Build A Return-To-Office Community?

A return-to-office community is an employee group within an organization that makes room for connection, shared resources and feedback during the transition back to the workplace. Use it to discuss questions and plan activities together. Jump to the practical actions.

Team Building Efforts For RTO Community

When it comes to team building we also need to take time to let employees and employers have open communication beyond day-to-day tasks, while respecting personal and professional boundaries. Invite employees to share ideas and feedback about returning to the office.

The company can review the feedback and identify what changes they would need to make. Also, these feedback sessions can be held in person and onsite to have a better understanding of what changes can be implemented. 

For a company planning a return to the office, possible aims include:

• Improve skills and knowledge to advance their employees 
• For employees to keep building innovative ideas to create new ways for their product approach 
• Build a stronger culture through connection and participation.

Invite senior executives to join feedback sessions, listen to concerns and explain which changes they can support.

Why is the Return To Office Community Needed? 

Returning to the office presents a unique set of challenges, and a supportive group may offer help in the following ways:

Support and Camaraderie

Returning to the office might raise anxieties and uncertainty about things like the commute, safety and health procedures, and getting used to a new schedule. By taking part in a return-to-work community, you can connect with others who are facing comparable difficulties and build a network of support. This camaraderie fosters a sense of community that makes it possible for you to share your experiences, ask questions, and obtain insightful guidance. A huge confidence boost might come from realizing you're not alone in confronting similar difficulties.

Networking Opportunities

An internal employee community offers a way to connect with colleagues across teams. A separate cross-organization network can connect people from different businesses or sectors. These relationships may lead to fresh opportunities on a personal and professional level. The connections made in these networks might lead to opportunities for project collaborations, mentorship, and career advice.

Resource Sharing

Communities for returning to work frequently act as information hubs where members exchange useful resources. This includes guides, articles, and professional recommendations on how to handle the shift successfully. You have access to a wealth of information, including guidance on adjusting to hybrid work arrangements, perceptions of safety procedures, and recommendations for preserving productivity and work-life balance.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

For many people, returning to work can be an emotionally challenging process. While some people might be excited, others might be anxious. Encourage respectful participation: let employees choose whether to share worries, exchange mental health tips or seek peer support, and provide a private route for personal concerns. During this change, your emotional health is just as important as your physical security.

Impacting Your Community 

Start by asking employees which shared activities they would like to try, then plan a small activity that gives them time to connect.

According to HBR, their review looks at the social aspects of the workplace and employee motivation. When asked what would motivate them to come into the office, employees had a resounding answer: social time with coworkers:

The figures below come from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index survey of 20,006 full-time employed or self-employed knowledge workers across 11 countries, conducted July 7–August 2, 2022. They describe respondents’ stated motivations, not measured attendance increases or current attitudes among all workers.

• 85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
• 84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
• 74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
• 73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.

Practical Ways to Build an RTO Community

Consider building a return-to-office community to support employees after a time of remote work or any severe disruption. The following actions can be taken to forge a solid return to the office community:

Clear Communication

Start by outlining the return to work plan and schedule in detail, including the time, what to expect, and any safety precautions. Answer any worries and queries that the staff may have. Make certain they feel educated and heard.

Engagement and Involvement

Involve employees in developing return-to-work timelines and policies. In order to foster a sense of ownership and participation, encourage input and feedback.

Preparation and Training

If there are changes in technology or safety, give employees whatever training or tools they may need to adjust to the new work environment. Address any concerns employees may have about the change.

Flexible Work Options

To meet the various needs of your employees, take into account providing flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work models.

Wellness Programs

Implement wellness initiatives and programs to support emotional and physical health, which are crucial throughout changes.

Social Events and Activities

Plan social and team-building activities to encourage communication and relationship-building among staff members. These can include lunches, outings, or even virtual activities. Keep participation optional and offer a video call or a written prompt so employees who are not onsite can contribute.

Example invitation: “Join an optional 20-minute lunch on Wednesday to share one idea for making office days easier. If you’re not onsite, send your idea in writing beforehand; we’ll include it in the discussion.”

Workspace Design

Think about how to lay out the workplace to promote cooperation, communication, and well-being. Make spaces where people can work intently and socialize with others.

Recognition and Rewards

Employee contributions and efforts during the remote work time and after they return to the office should be acknowledged and rewarded.

Regular Check-Ins

Plan frequent check-ins with staff members to determine their well-being and gather feedback.

Community Building Activities

Plan events that foster community involvement outside of the workplace. This could entail charitable endeavors, clubs based on shared interests, or volunteer work.

Mentorship and Onboarding

Assign mentors who can assist new or returning employees in adjusting to the workplace. Offer new hires resources for onboarding.

Technology and Tools

Make sure that all staff have access to appropriate, usable technology and tools. Platforms for communications, software, and hardware are included.

Leadership and Role Modeling

Encourage management and leadership to lead by example by showing up and participating in the workplace. Encourage community and cooperation without pressuring employees to take part in social activities.

Feedback Loops

Establish channels for staff to voice opinions and suggestions on the process of returning to work. Make changes and improvements based on this criticism. Name a feedback owner and tell employees when to expect a response, such as at the next weekly check-in. Share resulting decisions and offer a private way to raise sensitive concerns with that owner.

Diversity and Inclusion

Encourage an inclusive, varied workplace where everyone is treated with respect and worth. Invite employees who are not onsite to join by video or contribute written ideas before and after activities.

Choose one small pilot activity with employee input, then review its feedback before deciding what to try next.