The Less Discussed Reason Why Employees Don’t Want To Go Back To The Office
Remote work.
Ugh.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has been tiptoeing around this sore subject. White-collar employees all over the world have vehemently clung onto this way of working for all sorts of reasons. Some say excluding the arduous daily commutes allows them to be more productive. Others say it’s permitted them to have a better sense of work-life balance. And the reasons go on. But here’s one very valid reason that is falling on deaf earrings: Safety. While the pandemic may have sparked the remote work revolution, it is the rising tide of urban violence that is cementing its appeal. Employees are not just hesitant to return to the office for the sake of convenience; they are increasingly concerned about their physical safety in cities where violent crime rates are soaring.
Statistics paint a grim picture of urban safety in the United States over the past few years. According to FBI data, violent crime rates have been climbing annually. For instance, 2021 saw a 5.6% increase in homicides compared to the previous year, with many major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles reporting significant spikes. Carjackings, assaults, and robberies have also been on the rise, making the daily commute and even office parking lots potential danger zones. It’s no wonder employees are wary of abandoning the relative safety of their home offices for a commute that could be perilous.
Yes, working remotely does make for more productive employees, and also contributes to better work-life balance. But if employees are scared for their lives, then it's going to be pretty difficult to motivate them to come to work. Managers have been all too eager to get employees back to the office, and have been offering great perks like hybrid schedules, on-site gyms, free breakfasts, and lunches. And unfortunately, all of these have missed the mark. While these benefits are nice, they do nothing to alleviate the very real fears employees have about their safety.
If companies want their employees back in the office, they must first ensure that these employees feel secure in getting there and back.
So, how can companies ensure that their employees can arrive and leave their office locations alive and in one piece? There are practical steps that can be taken without blowing the budget on personal bodyguards or bulletproof vests. For starters, employers could subsidize safe commuting options. This might include arranging secure shuttle services that pick up employees from central locations or subsidizing rideshare services for those who work late hours. Another measure could be enhanced building security—ensuring that parking areas are well-lit and monitored, and that there are secure entrances to office buildings.
Moreover, companies should engage with local law enforcement to enhance the safety of the areas around their offices. Establishing a direct line of communication with police can help ensure quicker responses to any incidents and better overall safety in the vicinity. Employers can also offer safety training for employees, equipping them with strategies to stay safe while commuting. Initiatives like these show that a company values its employees’ well-being beyond the office walls.
Additionally, adopting flexible work hours could also mitigate risks. Allowing employees to travel during off-peak hours when public transportation and streets are less crowded can reduce their exposure to potential threats. Companies could also consider providing work-from-home options during particularly high-crime periods or in response to specific threats.
Ultimately, the call to return to the office must be balanced with a genuine commitment to employee safety. The perks that companies offer are great, but they are ignoring the safety of their employees. If organizations fail to address this core concern, they will struggle to coax employees back, no matter how many gourmet lunches they serve. By prioritizing safety, companies not only protect their most valuable assets but also build a culture of trust and care that can enhance overall productivity and morale.
Sources:
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Crime in the United States, 2021.
United States Department of Justice. (2021). Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.
Council on Criminal Justice. (2022). Pandemic, Social Unrest, and Crime in U.S. Cities.