The refrain in many parts of the world is the same: it’s time to return to the office. But for many business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s a decision that’s more complex than it appears. Whether you’re running a small team or a larger enterprise, the risks are both physical and financial.
It’s critical to consider the financial implications of returning to the office when making your decision. Will having your team back in the office cost more than ongoing remote work? Or can you save on business costs that you had been covering while remote?
On the health side, of course, it’s essential to consult local health experts and organizations to make sure you’re doing what’s best for everyone’s safety. Of course, you must also consider how to keep your team safe and comfortable when working in the office.
That’s where the numbers come in. It’s not just a math equation – it’s a matter of determining how many people you can safely host in the office, what safety protocols need to be in place, and even how employees can be incentivized to return.
Having the right figures and accurate data can be extremely helpful for business owners and entrepreneurs when making their decisions. The numbers can be broken down into two categories:
1. Health and safety metrics: This includes things like what safety precautions need to be in place, how many people can safely fit in the office, and the social distancing requirements that must be adhered to.
2. Financial metrics: This includes the financial costs associated with returning to the office and the costs associated with keeping everyone safe, such as masks and hand sanitizer. It also includes the potential cost savings associated with returning to the office, such as decreasing overhead costs associated with remote work, or the potential to increase productivity with an in-person environment.
When making the return to the office decision, it’s important to look at the numbers and make an informed decision based on the data and best practices around health and safety and financials. Returning to the office is a big decision with a lot of risks, but it can be a safe transition with the right data and metrics in place.
