The way we work has transformed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work, once the exception, is now the norm for many organisations. As we enter 2025, businesses are redefining the balance between office and remote work. How do they keep teams connected, workplaces efficient, and collaboration seamless? The future of work isn’t just hybrid—it’s smarter.
1. Hybrid working: The new culture
Many companies have embraced hybrid working as an integral part of their culture. It provides employees with greater flexibility and allows for a better balance between work and personal life. Research shows that it’s common for employees to work in the office two to three days a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays remain the busiest days, leading to crowded offices, packed trains, and traffic jams. To manage these peaks, some employers are exploring ways to better coordinate office attendance or even mandate specific office days.
2. Can you require employees to come to the office?
One key question is whether employers can mandate office attendance. In the Netherlands, there is no legal right to work from home. According to employment lawyer Pascal Besselink, employers can, in principle, require employees to come to the office. However, this is rarely enforced in practice, as many employers anticipate resistance to such measures. Additionally, remote working has proven to be highly productive, leading many organisations to prioritise flexibility over rigid policies. Striking the right balance between organisational objectives and employee preferences remains essential.
3. Redefining office space
Some organisations are choosing to rely less on physical office spaces. Selling properties or repurposing workstations into meeting areas are popular strategies. This not only encourages more efficient use of space but also fosters collaboration by creating areas where colleagues can easily come together. Such approaches help reduce costs and make better use of office spaces.
4. Focusing on connection and team building
Despite the advantages of remote working, meeting colleagues in person remains important. Organisations are exploring creative ways to encourage connection and collaboration. Examples include team-building activities or inspiring in-office days designed to strengthen team spirit.
5. Lessons for employers
Employers are still navigating the best ways to implement hybrid working effectively. Here are key lessons to guide this journey:
Provide adequate support: Equip employees with the tools they need to succeed, both at home and in the office. This includes hardware like laptops and ergonomic furniture, as well as software for video conferencing and project management.
Trust your employees: Show confidence in your team's ability to work productively, no matter where they are.
Encourage scheduling flexibility: Spread out office days to avoid overcrowding and inefficiency. For example, have teams create alternating schedules so everyone isn’t in the office on the same days.
Be flexible and open: Actively listen to employees' needs and be open to change.
This approach helps employers establish a hybrid work culture that enhances employee engagement and productivity.
Future of work: Hybrid as a core value
The pandemic has shown that work is more than just being present in an office. Hybrid working allows employees to better balance work and personal life while offering organisations flexibility and efficiency. The challenge lies in maintaining connection and culture, with technology and trust at the heart of it all.
