Royal Bank of Canada, which is one of the largest employers in the country, sent an internal memo to employees this week with statements like these:
“When our teams come together on-site more frequently, we are solving complex problems faster, learning and growing more effectively, and ultimately building deeper connections with one another."
"Without frequent in-person engagement our long-term competitiveness is at risk."
I feel strongly that we are going to continue to see more of this. Current work-from-home arrangements are not at all static. We have not yet reached a post-pandemic equilibrium. That will likely take a few more years.
More flexibility, rather than less, is something we all want, and I don't believe that's going away. But I do believe that for the most productive and congealed teams, the default workplace will remain the office.
P.S. Office Space (embedded video above) is a great movie.