Insights from Transitioning Back to Office Work
by Lelise Alemayehu, Co-Founder / CEO
1. The Challenge of Measuring Productivity
Transitioning back to an office setting revealed complexities in quantifying productivity. While traditional productivity metrics showed a decline, the management team observed an increase in team synergy and engagement. This phenomenon highlighted the value of physical presence and collaboration that transcends conventional productivity measures.
Despite efforts to monitor productivity with software tools during remote work, the direct observation in an office environment provided a unique and invaluable insight into team dynamics.
Top tip
Introducing elements that foster a sense of belonging and team spirit, such as traditional punch clocks, can enhance the workplace atmosphere and offer a nod to nostalgia.
2. Reevaluating Team Composition
The initial phase of returning to office work led to the departure of several senior developers due to differing perspectives on the work environment. This period of transition presented an opportunity to reassess and rejuvenate our team structure.
The emergence of new coding bootcamp graduates equipped with the latest technologies and a fresh perspective has invigorated our projects. This experience has shifted our hiring strategy towards embracing the dynamism and innovative potential of early-career developers.
3. Optimizing Operational Costs
The current market conditions for commercial real estate have presented an opportune moment for cost-effective expansion of physical office space. By leveraging these conditions, we've been able to enhance our work environment in a financially prudent manner.
Additionally, we've discovered the effectiveness of offering value-added perks, such as communal snacks and leisure activities, in creating a vibrant office culture. These benefits have proven to be highly appreciated by our team, further enriching our workplace without significantly impacting operational costs.
