After years of adjusting to the flexibility of remote work, bringing employees back into a shared workspace is no easy feat. The return to office life can stir a mix of emotions. Some may miss the comfort of home, others may crave face-to-face collaboration.
At the moment, 14 percent of the US workforce work remotely. But this might be put to an end soon. Recently, the US government has asked remote employees of its executive branch to return to work in person. Several other branches of the government, as well as businesses in general, are asking their remote employees to do the same.
The return to in-person work seems inevitable at the moment, so offices need to prepare accordingly to welcome these employees back. In this regard, a welcoming atmosphere can make a world of difference for employees returning to the office.
Here’s how you can create that welcoming vibe at your workplace as remote workers start coming back.
Start with a Fresh Paint Job
Offices want their remote workers back and they want them back fast. In Bellevue, for instance, 26 percent of the workforce worked remotely in 2023. But now, a lot of these offices want remote employees to return. To give the offices a more welcoming vibe, commercial painters in Bellevue are being called in. After all, there’s something powerful about walking into a room that’s been freshly painted.
Color has an undeniable influence on mood. Soft blues and greens can soothe the mind, while brighter shades can spark energy and innovation.
Instead of making it a DIY project or assigning it to the facilities team, bring in professional help. Hiring experienced commercial painters ensures that the job is done efficiently, neatly, and with the right materials for both aesthetics and durability.
Besides, as EA Pro Painters explains, professionals can get the job done without causing any disruption at the office. People can go on working while the experts handle the painting.
Reputable commercial painting services can handle everything from interior painting in meeting areas to exterior painting that updates your curb appeal. Skilled professionals understand how to coordinate colors and complete a flawless painting job that reflects your brand and makes employees feel valued.
Redesign with Comfort and Collaboration in Mind
Bringing remote workers back shouldn’t feel like putting them back in a box. For years, they’ve gotten used to customizing their own work environments. While you can’t replicate every comfort of home, you can prioritize flexibility and comfort in your office layout.
Think ergonomic seating, well-placed breakout areas, and meeting rooms that don’t feel like interrogation chambers. It’s not just about where people sit, but how those spaces support the type of work being done. You want a blend of quiet corners for deep focus and communal spots where brainstorming feels organic.
Move away from the traditional one-size-fits-all desk setup. Open areas with soft seating, bar-height tables, or even standing desks can encourage both movement and engagement throughout the day.
Incorporate Touches of Personality
Offices can often feel sterile, especially when they lack any sense of individuality. A few carefully chosen design details can change that quickly.
Encourage departments to personalize their shared spaces, be it through artwork from local creators or even custom-built decor elements. What matters most is that employees feel like they’re walking into a space that reflects who they are and what they’re working toward. That sense of connection builds pride, loyalty, and even joy.
Remote workers who are used to curated home offices will especially notice and appreciate those thoughtful touches.
Add a Welcome Ritual
Did you know that Google is forcing some remote workers to return to the office or risk losing their jobs? This is not how a return should be requested. Instead, offices should have a more subtle approach to this.
If the return to the office feels like a mandate instead of a milestone, the vibe can easily shift to resentment. That’s why it’s just as important to roll out a warm welcome strategy. This could be as simple as hosting a casual breakfast on your employees’ first day back or giving them half the day off.
Managers should also be encouraged to take a moment to reconnect with their teams face-to-face without the formality of Zoom calls. Let conversations unfold naturally, offer support where needed, and be open about what’s changed and what hasn’t. People don’t need a party; they need presence, understanding, and space to adjust.
Bring in the Scent of Something New
Scent is a powerful memory and mood trigger, but it’s often overlooked in office design.
A clean, fresh scent (not something overpowering or artificial) can reinforce the sense that the office has been renewed. A subtle citrus or lavender diffuser placed near the entrance or in the lounge area can add just the right note.
This isn’t about turning the office into a spa. It’s about creating subtle cues that say, “You’re in a place that’s cared for.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are employers not too fond of remote work?
Some employers worry that remote work lowers productivity and reduces collaboration. They feel it’s harder to monitor performance and build team culture when people aren’t physically present. There’s also concern about data security and accountability. Despite its popularity, remote work still challenges traditional management styles and expectations.
Why are remote workers asked to come to the office at times?
Remote workers are sometimes called into the office for team meetings, project kickoffs, or brainstorming sessions. In-person interactions can strengthen team bonds and help align everyone’s goals. Employers may also use these visits for performance reviews or training. It’s often about maintaining connection and fostering teamwork.
Can all jobs be done remotely?
Not all jobs are suited for remote work. Roles that involve hands-on tasks, machinery, or direct customer interaction, like in healthcare, manufacturing, or retail, require physical presence. While many knowledge-based roles can be done remotely, each job needs to be evaluated based on tools, communication, and performance demands.
Remote work gave people a taste of autonomy and personalization. So, when asking them to return, make sure you’re offering something more than just proximity to a printer or free coffee.
A well-designed office can become a silent but powerful ambassador of your company’s values and culture. It tells your employees they’re worth the investment, not just in salaries, but in space.
You’re building a space that respects your team’s journey and welcomes them back with intention. The return to office isn’t just a shift in location; it’s a new chapter. Make sure your space helps tell that story beautifully.
