Companies want to see employees in the office more often: 'People need contact'

Recent reports indicate that companies like Booking.com, Skydance, and ABN AMRO are encouraging employees to return to the office more frequently. This shift suggests a decline in the flexibility employees had regarding their work locations. According to organizational psychologist Tosca Gort, the initial enthusiasm for remote work has waned due to productivity concerns. While remote work eliminates commuting and distractions, it also presents challenges such as inadequate home office setups and a lack of social interaction. Gort emphasizes the importance of in-person contact for career advancement. Emeritus professor Fred Zijlstra notes that collaboration often necessitates physical presence, as being in the office increases opportunities for problem-solving and engagement. However, he acknowledges that remote work remains valuable, particularly for managing traffic. A complete return to office work is unlikely, but more companies may require employees to spend the majority of their…