Return-to-office | Firms are tempting workers back to the office with money, but it won't work

We are yet to discover whether remote or in-office work is better for productivity.

Research and anecdotes support both sides of the argument, creating uncertainty. One thing that is certain, however, is that employers are increasingly demanding their staff come back to the office.

For workers who have gotten used to the luxury of working from home, not needing to commute, and having extra hours in the day for themselves, going back into the office isn’t an appealing proposition. This is why many firms are tempting workers back to the office with money.

Whether or not in-office workers should get paid more than remote workers has been disputed since the pandemic. Arguably, office workers spend more time and money, particularly on travel and lunch, than their home-worker peers. Yet, home-workers might argue that their job has increased electricity, WiFi, and water bills, especially during a hike in energy costs.