“To Get People Back in the Office, Make It Social,” by Chris Capossela

 Wed 28 Sept 2022

Use the Office to Rebuild Team Bonds

In today’s hybrid world, work is more likely to be a thing you do, not a place you go. If you’re looking to motivate employees to come into the office, new research from Microsoft suggests most people want to come in to connect with their colleagues. To make in-person time worthwhile, managers can foster an environment that prioritizes building—or rebuilding—the personal connections that fuel creativity and teamwork. 

(1) To do this, start by stripping away in-office busywork where you can. Establish norms around expected email response times while in the office, or institute meeting-free days and encourage employees to use that time to catch up informally, face to face. 

(2) Next, create new in-person rituals, such as catered lunches, workshops, or discussion groups to facilitate camaraderie. Finally, lead by example. When you’re in the office, be real, open, and available. Schedule lunches and coffees with your employees. And communicate clearly that you’re there to help people connect.

This tip is adapted from “To Get People Back in the Office, Make It Social,” by Chris Capossela