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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | October 24, 2022 31 WORKPLACE In uncertain times, flexibility is more vital than ever. Whether you're looking to design benefits that inspire wellness and engagement, help your people plan for a healthy and financially secure retirement, or build an agile workforce for the future, we're here to help. Flexibility for the changing world of work. www.mercer.us Flexible and future-ready Ostop said the remote work model on a national scale showed a fall off in production and collaboration. The benefits of getting back into the office include better communica- tion and collaboration, with workers engaging more with senior leaders who are knowledge sharing. Going back to the office allows the ability to work together and talk in person, Ostop said. The "new normal" of hybrid, however, offers workers the benefits of both work from home and in-office collab- oration. The tightness of the labor market may be what's keeping many employers from demanding a full return to the office, Ostop added. Commutes can also be a detriment to worker morale and productivity, and that time may be better spent working from home. When employees do head into the office, typically two to three days a week in a hybrid setup, they want to see a more inviting work- space that makes time spent on a commute worthwhile. CBRE said activity-based workplaces will become the new planning standard for companies to enhance employee productivity and wellness. "Amenities that meet the daily needs of employees, help them establish and maintain relationships and offer expe- riences that represent the company's brand and values will become more important," the outlook report reads. Steven Lyons, a preconstruction manager for Avison Young, said as the working world transitions back to the office, companies are looking to create "a home away from home." "People have become used to hybrid, so they want to get up and take calls away from their desks, take a break. A change of scenery is good for productivity," said Avison Young Construction Director Alyssa Wright. Less space, sometimes Companies are also trending toward downsizing their office space. However, that wasn't the case for IAT, which expanded from its old 15,000-square-foot space because it needed room for a growing workforce. The specialty insurer, which has found a niche serving the long-haul trucking and moving and storage industries, now has close to 30 employees in Cheshire with room for up to 50. Areas like Blue Back Square in West Hartford are seeing high demand for office space with their downtown feel and walkability from offices to shops, restaurants and amenities, Ostop said. "The workplace needs to be worthy of a commute," Ostop said. Employers are "trying to create the experience where you want to come in. The bottom line is, it's all about productivity." Alyssa Wright WORKPLACE FLASH POLL HBJ polled its readers during the week of Oct. 3 about their in-person office requirements. We asked: How many days are you requiring your employees back to the office? 1 DAY 2 DAYS 3 DAYS 4 DAYS 5 DAYS No requirement yet 0 5 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 25 30 30 35 35 40 40