I and many others have said this so many times you’re all doubtless tired of hearing it but it still hasn’t sunk in. People do not want to and will not return to yesterday’s work environment. In particular, they are not going to return to the office. Why, they ask, should we endure horrible commutes and micro-management from control freak middle managers when we are much more productive at home?
Many companies seem unable to understand this but they bury their heads in the sand at their own peril. The latest to learn this is WhiteHat Jr who have had over 800 employees quit over orders to return to the office.
It used to be that the argument was that you were cutting yourself off from the best employees if you insisted they work on site. It’s increasingly becoming the case that you’re cutting your company off from all employees if you insist on the old ways.
To be sure, not all jobs can be done remotely but many can and every company that wants to retain their employees should carefully consider which is which. Some people really do like the office environment and will be happy to return but the vast majority are saying “no thanks” and are backing that up by quitting if their employers insist.
It’s becoming ever more clear: adapt to the new reality or lose your best employees. That’s another way of saying adapt or die. Darwin would understand.