Although some companies have implemented a hybrid work setup, others have opted to work back on-site as pandemic restrictions ease. Here’s why it works.

Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, 51% of the workforce in the Philippines has returned to working on-site. And while 50.5% of HR professionals believe that hybrid work is the future, 33.4% reportedly feel “uncertain” about transitioning to on-site work, according to the 2023 State of HR Report by Sprout Solutions.

What these numbers show is that there is “less resistance to working face-to-face in a physical office than the year before.”

“Despite 50.5% of HR professionals foreseeing hybrid work as the future, the neutral responses towards on-site work suggest a lack of immediate urgency to adopt a hybrid model,” says Sprout Solutions. “This hesitation may stem from the perceived advantages and benefits associated with on-site work.” 

Despite the still-present threat of COVID-19 and the enticing advantages of a hybrid or work-from-home setup, here are some of the advantages and benefits that can encourage companies to return to on-site work. 

5 Reasons Why an On-site Work Setup is Better for Businesses

Better Communication and Collaboration

Anyone who has ever had to participate in meetings via Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet can attest to the downsides of virtual meetings. It can be difficult to understand one another and collaborate with members of the team when WiFi connections aren’t at their best or when people opt to turn off their cameras to hide the fact that they aren’t paying attention. 

Working on-site allows for better communication and collaboration, as everyone on the team is physically present for meetings. It is also easier to communicate and share ideas in person, especially when there is no need to worry about internet connections or distractions. 

Easier Monitoring and Managing Employees’ Activities

As mentioned, the option to turn off cameras during virtual meetings gives employees the opportunity to not pay attention and do other things instead. This, in turn, leads to a lack of efficiency and productivity. 

Being on-site allows managers and bosses to easily monitor and manage the activities of their employees. It is also easier to check if employees are really getting work done instead of getting distracted by the internet or other external factors.

Improved Work-Life Balance

At the height of the pandemic, countless companies had to resort to a work-from-home setup, which meant that the house is both an office and a home at the same time. This led to employees struggling to find a work-life balance—as there is no clear boundary between work and home. In fact, the struggle to balance work life and personal life has led some to feel its negative effects on their mental health. 

Working on-site puts a clear boundary between work and home. That way, the house no longer feels like an office. It is also easier for employees to leave all their work at the office and not bring the stress and their workload back to their homes. 

Lack of Infrastructure Disruption 

Not all employees have the same resources and infrastructure at home that can make the work-from-home setup a breeze. Not everyone has fast internet. Not everyone has a printer. Not everyone has access to hardware and software support should there be issues with them. 

The lack of infrastructure disruption is one of the main benefits of working on-site, as employees do not have to worry about slow internet connections or not having a printer, scanner, or even a shredder. It is also easier to receive IT assistance when everyone’s at the office instead of having to give or receive instructions online. 

Sense of Belongingness

Virtual meetings and online work not only make communication such a struggle, but it also fosters a lack of a sense of belongingness. It is hard to feel seen in a company when coworkers and bosses feel so distant thanks to the work-from-home setup. 

In contrast, being physically present at the office and seeing coworkers can help employees feel like they belong somewhere, which, in this case, is the company. It is also easier to feel camaraderie and teamwork when employees have an on-site work setup. 

Key Takeaways

Each company is different, and what works with one company may not necessarily work for another. This is true when it comes to deciding between on-site, hybrid, or work-from-home setups. 

Given this, it is important for companies to keep an open, honest, and safe line of communication with their employees and encourage dialogues about the ideal work setup. Employees should be able to voice out their needs and wants, which the company can take into consideration when deciding on the setup that works for everyone involved.