8 in 10 employers will track office attendance in 2024

A vast majority of companies plan to incentivize their employees to return to working at the desk, along with de-incentivizing employees who want to work remotely.

A recent survey of the growing return-to-office (RTO) request from companies found that 8 in 10 (80%) companies will track employee office attendance in 2024.

The survey, completed by ResumeBuilder.com and Pollfish, recorded 800 responses from business leaders at organizations where most of their workforce work remotely.

Nine in ten (90%) companies will require their employees to go to the office at least once a month, while 3 in 4 (75%) will require employees to work from the office weekly. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of companies plan to use badge swipes to track attendance. Other methods companies plan to use to track attendance include:

• Manual documentation
• Wi-Fi sensors
• Occupancy sensors
• Below-desk sensors

Most (79%) companies already track their employee’s office attendance, with the majority using badge swipes to do so (58%). As companies push forward with RTO, many employees have started to face consequences for their lack of compliance.

Companies plan to be strict in enforcing these new requirements, and nearly all (95%) companies say employees will face consequences if they are not compliant.

This includes their bonus, benefits, and salary being affected. One in three (33%) companies say they will fire employees who don’t comply with their requests for RTO.

“That said, employers need to implement return-to-office policies in a thoughtful way, paying close attention to the human needs of every employee. This requires every employer to implement tangible policies that improves the larger company culture and also allow for individualization and continued flexibility,” says Laura Putnam, a wellness thought leader.

Productivity is the leading reason for companies mandating RTO. Additional motivations to improve workplace culture and heighten employee satisfaction. Three in 10 (30%) business leaders say working from the office reduces burnout.

Most (91%) companies say they will provide incentives to employees for returning to the office. Incentives include:

• Happy hours
• Catered meals
• Upgraded office space
• Raises
• Child care benefits

Related: 56% of workers know someone who will quit due to RTO mandates

“Companies that become too rigid in their policies will end up losing employees in the long term,” says Julia Toothacre, Resume Builder’s Resume and Career Strategist. “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.”

“Working from home saves money on food, gas, car maintenance, and clothing and gives people time back in their day without a commute,” says Toothacre. “Certain positions and employees benefit from a flexible work schedule to complete their work.”