Remote Work and Employee Engagement

In 2020, Gallup polls showed that US worker engagement levels hit their highest levels on record. That could have been due to executives at many companies holding town halls and other communication sessions with employees to help keep relationships strong during the pandemic and forced remote work for so many people.

However, as the pandemic eased, more and more companies have been trying to bring workers back into their offices – with the result being that employee engagement levels are decreasing - while employee frustration levels are increasing. In a June 2023 news release, Gallup reported that of the over 60,000 people surveyed, half were not engaged on the job, were putting in minimal effort to get by, and were feeling resentment that their needs are not being met. This is a recipe for employee turnover.

At Transition Strategies, we hear the same thing from many workers – that they want flexible schedules and remote work options. Many cite that the ability to avoid commuting makes them less stressed and more productive, as well as helps to provide treasured work-life balance. Employees are less willing today than ever to stay in work situations where they feel their needs are not being met.

Management often believes that making in-office work a requirement will build worker loyalty.  However, the reverse is proving to be true. The requirement to return to in-office work has been interpreted by many employees as a lack of trust by management.  For example, workers at Farmers Group insurance company called to unionize, and some pledged to quit, after a new CEO said he would require most workers to be in-office three days a week. Amazon workers demonstrated at lunch recently against a hybrid-work policy requiring three days per week of work in the office.

The facts show that remote employees can be engaged, productive and loyal.  If a company’s goal is to reduce the expense of employee turnover, it makes good business sense to include remote work and flexible scheduling as part of the company culture.