As companies grapple with the evolving nature of work, the debate between traditional office mandates and hybrid models continues to intensify. With high-profile return-to-office (RTO) policies from corporations like J.P. Morgan Chase, Amazon, Disney, Meta, and Apple dominating headlines, many organisations are questioning whether in-person work is the only path to productivity and collaboration.
However, a recent ResumeBuilder survey found that 8 in 10 employers lost talent due to rigid RTO mandates, highlighting the growing demand for flexibility. So, what if the solution lies in modernising rather than reverting to old norms?
Enter Microsoft Viva, the Employee Experience Platform revolutionising how hybrid work is done.
Major organisations are implementing return-to-office mandates to foster collaboration, culture, and oversight. J.P. Morgan Chase has required senior staff to return to the office to reinforce culture, while Amazon’s full-time in-office policy impacts tens of thousands of employees. According to CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon is moving to five days to “invent, collaborate and be connected.” Meta, Disney, and Apple have also introduced similar mandates, aiming to reignite in-person creativity and collaboration.
These policies, however, are not without controversy. Employees value the flexibility and balance hybrid work offers, and research consistently shows that hybrid models lead to higher engagement, satisfaction, and retention. The challenge lies in creating a hybrid work environment that meets organisational goals while supporting employees, a challenge that Microsoft Viva is uniquely positioned to address.
Microsoft Viva is a comprehensive suite of tools integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Teams, and SharePoint, creating a central hub for communication, learning, and collaboration.
Viva empowers employees and fosters a thriving hybrid work environment by seamlessly connecting communication, knowledge, resources, and well-being within a unified digital hub, creating a connected, informed, and engaged workforce regardless of location and strengthening company culture within the flow of work.
Alicia Garcia Anton
Modern Workplace Lead Consultant at Spanish Point Technologies
1. Building Connection Through Viva Engage
Viva Engage redefines corporate communication by fostering meaningful dialogues between employees and leaders. Tools like Leadership Corner and Ask Me Anything sessions break down barriers, encouraging transparency and trust. Social campaigns and Storyline announcements further build alignment and engagement across distributed teams.
2. Supporting Well-being with Viva Insights
Hybrid work thrives when well-being is prioritised. Viva Insights delivers actionable recommendations, helping employees manage workloads, avoid burnout, and achieve work-life harmony.
3. Driving Continuous Learning with Viva Learning
Upskilling is critical in today’s dynamic workplace. Viva Learning connects employees with tailored training opportunities from platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, seamlessly integrated into their daily workflows.
Organisations enforcing RTO policies risk alienating employees who value flexibility and autonomy. Conversely, businesses that embrace hybrid work, empowered by tools like Microsoft Viva, are better positioned to attract and retain top talent. Viva ensures hybrid work is effective while enriching the employee experience by:
At Spanish Point Technologies, we understand that modernising your workplace requires more than tools, it demands a strategic approach to employee engagement and productivity. Our Smart Workplace Offering leverages Microsoft Viva to transform the way organisations work, ensuring a seamless transition to hybrid models.
Here’s how we can help:
Ready to Transform Your Workplace?
As the debate between return-to-office mandates and hybrid work continues, one thing is clear: flexibility is the future. With Microsoft Viva and Spanish Point Technologies, your organisation can embrace a modern workplace that prioritises engagement, well-being, and productivity.
Discover how Spanish Point Technologies can help you modernise your workplace today!
