As companies solidify their long-term hybrid work policies, the “Return to Office” (RTO) is less of a single event and more of an ongoing, evolving strategy. The central challenge is to create an office environment that is compelling enough to warrant the commute, while also managing space efficiently in the face of fluctuating daily attendance. A successful RTO strategy cannot be based on assumptions; it must be built on a foundation of data and supported by tools that make the hybrid experience seamless for employees. A thoughtful approach to the
is crucial for balancing employee flexibility with organizational goals.
The “Why” of the Office
The first step in any RTO strategy is to clearly define the purpose of the physical office. Is it primarily for collaboration? For building culture? For focused work away from home? For most companies, it’s a mix of all three. The key is to design an experience and provide resources that support these goals. If collaboration is the main driver, then the strategy must include tools that help teams coordinate their in-office days and easily book collaborative spaces. Simply unlocking the doors and expecting people to show up without a clear “why” is a recipe for empty offices and a disconnected workforce.
Empowering Employees with Choice and Certainty
A mandatory, top-down RTO policy can often be met with resistance. A more effective approach is to empower employees with the tools they need to make intentional choices about their work location. A workplace platform that allows employees to see colleagues’ schedules and book desks gives them the certainty they need to plan a productive office day. Knowing they will have a guaranteed workspace next to their team members transforms the commute from a chore into a valuable opportunity for connection. This sense of control is critical for employee buy-in and makes the office a destination of choice, not a mandate.
Using Data to Adapt and Optimize
No RTO strategy will be perfect from day one. It requires continuous monitoring and adjustment based on real-world usage. This is where workplace analytics become indispensable. By tracking desk and room booking data, office occupancy rates, and peak usage times, leadership can get a clear, objective picture of how the RTO plan is working. Are certain days consistently more popular? Are employees using the collaborative spaces as intended? Is the current office capacity aligned with actual demand? This data allows for informed adjustments, ensuring that the workplace—and the policies that govern it—can evolve to meet the changing needs of the business and its employees.