Company mandates return to office, employee receives warning for working from home when they have 40 desks for 60 people: ‘The expectation is that you find a solution in real time’

Why would a company want everybody working from the office and then not provide enough space?

Although it has its detractors, a lot of people would agree that it is a great thing to be able to work from home. It offers flexibility, saves money, and normally gives employees the breathing room to feel like their lives are not entirely ruled by their jobs. These are all perks that make hybrid roles even more sought-after than ever.

However, a lot of employers dislike remote work for the same reason that their employees love it. They prefer to have them in the office where they can monitor them and also justify the rent that they’re paying. Ultimately, though, companies need to make their workplace a relatively pleasant place to be if they want their workers to feel like it is worth coming there. It might not be necessary, but it might help to keep turnover down. 

Ultimately, most employees will return to the office if they do not have a choice, but just like with remote work, there has to be the right kind of system in place to make it functional. As a bare minimum, there needs to be enough desk space for everybody who needs it.