In a recent survey employees working from home were asked about the return to the office. They found that:
- 51% are happy to return to the office
- 30% may or may not return
- 19% will find another remote job and will not return
In the next few months as the Omicron variant passes and companies want to get their staff back together, it may prove tougher than ever thought as it is estimated that up to 5% of a company's work force may no longer be local.
One problem with getting employees back in the office is the number of employees that moved away from the physical office that would now require a plane ride to get to the office.
Over 95% of those asked who moved away said they would just quit if it is demanded they come back into the office.
Company's are going to have to decide what to do next. There are too many open positions, and not enough talent to fill them. Do you just go along with it, or should you let them go? There is no option to force them back to the office as some employees are completely unable to do so.
A new problem affecting employees: Gas Prices
Many employees are now saying they don't want to return with sky high gas prices at close to $2 per Litre in Canada and $5+ per gallon in the US.
For many people this could increase their commute costs by $1,000+ monthly.
Some employees want extra compensation to cover gas and car expenses now after not having these expenses over the past two years.
In our own survey with clients in the past week, the majority are putting off the return to the office while gas prices are high. Many people are still nervous about the rising costs now that their offices are open and inviting staff to come to work a only few days per week.
For many it's never been an option, they have always had to be at a physical location. Many of these staff are now hoping for raises or at least help with fuel costs while they are elevated.
What do you do now? Whether recruiting new staff or trying to keep your current staff, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made.
Are you struggling to fill open positions due to the transition back to in-office work?
It's more challenging then ever to source and hire great and qualified people. We have the expertise, technology, and unique processes that find the people our client's need when they or other hired 3rd parties were not able to. We get a different result!
