Companies saying goodbye to work from home in South Africa

Many local companies have started demanding a full return to office from their employees, but experts warn that rigid policies may drive away top talent.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, work-from-home policies became incredibly common in workplaces in South Africa and globally.

Many offices retained their work-from-home or hybrid policies well after lockdown restrictions lifted.

However, many companies have recently started mandating that employees return to the office full-time.

Recent reports show that 60% of South African employers were moving away from remote work arrangements, aligning with their global counterparts.

Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at Jack Hammer, Africa’s largest executive search firm, warned that while it might seem like a no-brainer for employers to demand a return to in-person, in-office 5 days a week, this will severely impact their ability to retain top talent.

This, Naidoo explained, is because flexibility is one of the key negotiation tools that impact a company’s talent density, which refers to the concentration of high-performing individuals within an organisation.

She pointed out that talent density is a key driver of innovation, productivity, and overall business success.

“Employers considering a forced return to traditional five-day office schedules should be prepared for potential talent losses,” she warned.

“Top talent will seek out employers offering the best choices, including flexible work arrangements, and at scale, this is going to impact negatively on talent density.”

Naidoo explained that Jack Hammer has noticed an uptick in high-level candidates putting out feelers for roles and companies that aren’t demanding a full return to office (RTO).

“When speaking with candidates, the ability to offer structured flexibility is a major draw for those facing strict return-to-office mandates,” she said.

“For those seeking to advance their careers and are currently employed on a flexible basis, it is non-negotiable.”

“Flexibility is not just a retention tool but a negotiation tool that significantly impacts talent density – a critical factor in both productivity and excellence.”

“Companies with the best talent are better positioned to excel, making it imperative to attract and retain top performers, hence our warning to employers not to revert to a one-size-fits-all strategy, thinking they hold all the cards.”

Research by McKinsey shows that the proportion of employees working mostly in-person has increased significantly, from 34% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. This shift was driven by employer mandates, not employee preferences.

Although employers may generally have the upper hand in setting these mandates, this is not the case where top talent is concerned, Naidoo said.

“Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean you have to. Companies that prioritise flexibility are better positioned to attract and retain the best talent, as they offer a work environment that supports work-life balance and autonomy.”

“While employees may initially comply with strict RTO mandates, top talent will seek out better opportunities when they arise. This is particularly true for those who value flexibility and have the option to choose employers that offer it.”

However, while flexibility may be a key consideration for many workers, RTO policies offer benefits for both employees and employers.

When asked about the importance of in-office work, 68% of companies cited collaboration and teamwork as major factors, while 64% indicated that productivity was the primary driver, according to data from Resume Template.

Additionally, 61% believe that in-person work enhances communication, 59% feel it simplifies management, and 45% believe it contributes to organisational culture.

According to a report from Bevi, employees identified their reasons for being in the office as productivity, collaboration, and career growth, and these motivations were reported across all generations.

Interestingly, 56% of respondents mentioned that amenities such as coffee, water, food, and workout facilities would encourage them to be onsite more frequently.

Unsurprisingly, the Bevi survey also revealed that for 50% of people, the biggest barrier to being in the office is the commute, which was followed by childcare.

Naidoo explained that although companies should carefully consider their RTO mandates, early career professionals should embrace the opportunity rather than see it as a drawback.

“As an early career professional, it is important to recognise that while remote work offers flexibility and convenience, it will hinder your career growth and trajectory,” she said.

“Too many young people hold out for a flexible or remote position, not realising that they are shooting themselves in the foot by doing so.”

Naidoo stressed that starting a career in a remote setting is guaranteed to slow down the learning process.

“Being in the office allows for immediate feedback, hands-on training, and the opportunity to absorb the nuances of the job more quickly,” she explained.

“In-person interactions facilitate a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics and etiquette, which are essential for professional development.”

The opportunity for informal learning, networking and progression is also hampered, she noted.

“Much of what you learn in an office environment is not explicitly taught but rather absorbed through observation and interaction with colleagues,” she said.

This informal learning involves understanding professional conduct, both formally and informally, which is essential for career growth.

“Being in the office also increases visibility and provides opportunities to build relationships with colleagues and superiors,” she said.

“These connections are crucial for career advancement, as they help establish social and corporate political capital.”

“Ambitious professionals recognise that success depends on being seen and valued by others within the organisation. If you are sitting at home, your in-office colleague will very likely leave you in their wake.”

Naidoo added that spending at least the first three to six months in the office can be highly beneficial.

“This period allows you to establish a strong foundation of skills, relationships, and workplace understanding,” she said.

“After this initial phase, you can start to leverage flexibility options to maintain a better work-life balance if you have proven yourself to be a talent to watch.”

This article was first published by Daily Investor and is reproduced with permission.