Why bosses need to get the ROI of their staff’s commute right

All businesses want to maximise return on investment (ROI), but not many CFOs will have factored in the daily commute of employees as part of the equation.

Commuting can impact employee productivity, job satisfaction and overall well-being, affecting a company’s bottom line. As more and more employees return to the office post-pandemic, it would pay to understand the actual cost of their staff’s commute and take steps to optimise it. This may involve offering flexible working arrangements, providing incentives for sustainable transportation options or even considering office location changes.

Many organisations are considering implementing a permanent hybrid work setup. However, to ensure its success, leaders must assess the ROI of such a set-up in the round.

Here’s why:

• Productivity: Hybrid work setups can have a significant impact on employee productivity. While remote workers can provide employees greater flexibility and freedom, it can also lead to distractions and a lack of focus. Managers must find ways to maintain productivity in both office and remote work environments to maximise ROI.

• Communication: Communication is vital in a hybrid work setup. Managers must establish clear lines of communication with employees, regardless of where they are working from. This can involve using technology such as video conferencing or instant messaging and ensuring that employees are aware of any important updates or changes.

• Employee Satisfaction: Employee satisfaction is a critical factor in the success of any work arrangement. Managers must ensure employees feel supported and valued, working from home or the office. This can involve offering flexible working hours, providing access to the necessary tools and resources, and providing opportunities for social interaction.

• Cost Savings: Implementing a hybrid work setup can result in significant cost savings for organisations. This can include savings on office space, utilities and other overheads. However, to ensure these savings are realised, managers must carefully consider the costs of setting up a hybrid work environment, such as technology infrastructure and training costs.

To achieve a positive ROI in implementing a hybrid work setup, managers can:

• Set clear expectations for productivity and communication in office and remote work environments.

• Provide employees with the necessary tools and resources to work effectively from home or the office.

• Offer flexible working hours and support employee well-being to maintain job satisfaction.

• Develop a comprehensive communication plan to keep employees informed of important updates and changes.

• Implement technology infrastructure to support remote work, such as video conferencing and instant messaging.

• Track and analyse the ROI of the hybrid work setup to make adjustments and improvements as necessary.

• Consider the costs of a hybrid work environment, such as technology infrastructure and training.