Recently, major tech companies like Amazon, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have been mandating their employees to return to office , putting an end to the flexibility offered by remote work during the pandemic. Amazon has entirely eliminated its work-from-home policy for corporate staff, while Wipro now requires employees to be in the office three days a week, enforcing penalties such as leave deductions for non-compliance. These shifts highlight a growing trend in the IT sector, with companies pushing to reinstate traditional work models despite significant employee resistance.
Employee’s reluctance to return to the office is evident in the measures companies are resorting to. Policies that link attendance to penalties, such as Wipro's leave deductions and Amazon’s strategy of halting promotion show that employees are not eager for this shift. Rather, strict rules are required to have them back in office cubicles. Many workers, especially in the IT sector, continue to value the work-from-home model for its flexibility and improved work-life balance.
Why Are Employees Unwilling to Work from office?
For many employees, the shift back to office feels like a step backward. The pandemic redefined work-life dynamics, with remote work offering freedom from long commutes, flexible schedules, and the ability to manage personal responsibilities more effectively. A 2023 Forbes report found that 71% of remote workers in the U.S. believed remote work improved their work-life balance. Similarly, in India, a substantial portion of the workforce adapted well to hybrid or remote models. Employees also express concerns over increased stress, reduced productivity, and lack of autonomy in office environments.
Additionally, the cost of returning to the office — both in terms of time and money — is a significant factor. With rising inflation, daily commuting expenses, and the physical strain of commuting in crowded cities, employees see little appeal in returning to a rigid office routine. The lack of trust between employees and management regarding productivity is another point of friction, as many workers believe they can deliver results from home just as efficiently as from the office.
From WFH to Return to Office: Smart Tips for Transition
Returning to the office after a long period of working from home can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the transition.
Employee’s reluctance to return to the office is evident in the measures companies are resorting to. Policies that link attendance to penalties, such as Wipro's leave deductions and Amazon’s strategy of halting promotion show that employees are not eager for this shift. Rather, strict rules are required to have them back in office cubicles. Many workers, especially in the IT sector, continue to value the work-from-home model for its flexibility and improved work-life balance.
Why Are Employees Unwilling to Work from office?
For many employees, the shift back to office feels like a step backward. The pandemic redefined work-life dynamics, with remote work offering freedom from long commutes, flexible schedules, and the ability to manage personal responsibilities more effectively. A 2023 Forbes report found that 71% of remote workers in the U.S. believed remote work improved their work-life balance. Similarly, in India, a substantial portion of the workforce adapted well to hybrid or remote models. Employees also express concerns over increased stress, reduced productivity, and lack of autonomy in office environments.
Additionally, the cost of returning to the office — both in terms of time and money — is a significant factor. With rising inflation, daily commuting expenses, and the physical strain of commuting in crowded cities, employees see little appeal in returning to a rigid office routine. The lack of trust between employees and management regarding productivity is another point of friction, as many workers believe they can deliver results from home just as efficiently as from the office.
From WFH to Return to Office: Smart Tips for Transition
Returning to the office after a long period of working from home can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the transition.
- Start by creating a consistent routine. Set your wake-up time, commute schedule, and meal breaks to mirror what you would typically do in the office. This will help you gradually shift back into the office rhythm. Additionally, focus on reestablishing relationships with colleagues.
- Engage in small talk and in-person collaboration. It can foster a more positive work environment.
- Another important aspect is managing your work-life balance. While working from home offered flexibility, try to set boundaries in the office as well. Prioritise tasks, communicate openly with your manager about workload, and avoid overworking in an attempt to compensate for time spent at home.
- Lastly, maintain some of the habits that worked well during remote work, such as time-blocking for deep work and taking short breaks to stay refreshed. These steps can help make the transition smoother and more productive.
