80% of Companies Say They Will Track In-Office Attendance in 2024: Survey

A new survey has revealed some news that many remote workers have been dreading: this year, 80% of companies say they will “definitely” track in-office attendance to ensure that hybrid workers (instead of virtually) show up and stick around.

How Companies Will Track In-Office Attendance

The survey by ResumeBuilder.com found that most companies will track in-office attendance through badge swipes at entry doors (62%). Other methods include tracking via Wi-Fi (50%), manual processes (50%), occupancy sensors (43%), and under desk sensors (38%).

As for the consequences that an employee could face if they fail to go into the office as required and expected:

• 57% of companies said it could negatively impact their bonus.
• 54% of companies said it could negatively impact their benefits.
• 53% of companies said it could lead to a reduction in their salary.
• 33% of companies said it could lead to termination.

The Importance of Flexibility in In-Office Attendance Policies

However, companies are also being warned to be as flexible and tolerant as possible — not just because it’s ethical, but because it’s pragmatic.

“Companies that become too rigid in their policies will end up losing employees in the long term,” commented ResumeBuilder.com’s Resume and Career Strategist Julia Toothcare. “Yes, there should be consequences for employees who aren’t doing their job, but time in the office isn’t the only way to track performance. Certain positions and employees benefit from a flexible work schedule to complete their work. Forcing employees to go back to the office will negatively impact some people in the same way that some people will love it. You won’t be able to make everyone happy, but flexibility can bridge the gap.

Continued Toothcare: “It also seems like companies are not taking into consideration because employees like to work from home or have a flexible schedule. Some people are caregivers to family members, they have a physical disability that makes the office uncomfortable, or there are mental health considerations that are improved when they can be in a familiar space, among other reasons. When you force people back into the office, you will likely lose amazing employees who had been thriving in their home environment.”

Incentives to Encourage In-Office Attendance

On a more positive note, 91% of companies said they will offer incentives to make it more agreeable for workers to head into the office. These include:

• Happy hours (52%)
• Catered meals (46%)
• Upgraded office space (41%)
• Raises (40%)
• Child care (37%)

This survey was conducted online in December 2023, and solicited feedback from 800 respondents.

Sources:

resumebuilder – 8 in 10 Companies Will Track Office Attendance in 2024