We're another year removed from the covid pandemic and work culture seems to continue its shift away from hybrid or out-of-office schedules.
With that, plenty of companies have issued return-to-office mandates and a rollback of worker flexibility that was more common during the times of covid. Some employers are looking for ways to improve production and efficiency and retain their top talent while also getting back to a more modern work environment.
Joel Zeff is a national speaker, work culture expert and author, who says the work culture cycle has shifted away from the looser requirements and expectations that some employers had for their employees during the early 2020s, but some also discovered that their employees were capable of getting things done and being productive enough from home.
"There was a lot of freedom after the pandemic and it depends on the industry because some industries figured out that that freedom worked for them," he said.
It's a case-by-case basis. It all comes down to what works best for the company and the employee. For some industries, they need to bring their team back into the office more.
"We give employees opportunity and responsibility," Zeff said. "Part of that responsibility is saying that you can work from home and that we know you're going to do your job."
A bosses' empathy for workers has been adjusted in some instances too. Zeff believes though that in order for company's work environment and culture to be successful and productive, there has to be a strong connection between the employer and the employee.
"That's what's getting complicated and that's what managers want," said Zeff. "We have to find that middle ground that works for both. The same employers that didn't care about their employees five years ago, don't care about them today."
There are always options for employees. Zeff said an employee should always consider their happiness, the opportunities and responsibilities they get through work and whether or not they are supported and appreciated there.
"How are you going to find success if you're constantly hiring new employees because you're constantly losing employees," Zeff asked. "Either you're going to take care of your team and your employees or you won't be reaching success and goals and hitting numbers."