The Great Workplace Tug-of-War: Creating an Office Space People Want to Be

Over the past five years, the debate between remote and in-office work has felt like one big game of professional tug-of-war. Office fans over here, remote fans over there, and hybrid fans somewhere in the middle.

Whichever side you’re on, here’s the reality: many of us are either already back in the office or heading back soon. In fact, according to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence survey:

• Fully remote roles have dropped dramatically to just 26%, down from 46% in 2020.
• Hybrid work continues to rise steadily, currently sitting at 16%.
• Onsite work has regained dominance, now accounting for 55% of jobs.

If remote work is working well for your team, that’s fantastic! But if you’re a leader or manager who recently managed a return to the office, you’ve probably faced some tension. Balancing your company’s culture, fostering meaningful collaboration, and driving innovation while adapting to shifting employee expectations is no small task, and it can leave you feeling like you’re being pulled in every direction.

How to Break the Tug-of-War Cycle

So, how you do you stop the game of tug-of-war at your office?

It all starts with asking the right questions.

Instead of asking, "How can we implement a successful return-to-office mandate?" or “How can we get people to stop complaining about being in the office?” consider asking, "How can we create a space where people genuinely thrive?"

Because ultimately, that’s the key to a positive company culture: creating an environment where your employees actually want to be.

With that in mind, here are five practical ways to increase engagement, collaboration, and connection at your office, along with a few tried-and-true strategies we use at TCWGlobal!

Five Ways to Create a Workplace People Want to Be

#1 Make Room for Real Connection

Getting people back in the office is not about tracking attendance or ensuring no one is secretly watching Netflix. It is about creating energizing, meaningful moments that employees genuinely look forward to.

If people come to the office just to sit at their desks with headphones on, we’ve missed the point. The real magic happens when employees have moments to connect, brainstorm, and build genuine relationships.

At our headquarters, we are intentional about creating those moments. Whether it is a competitive wellness challenge, a team-building fundraiser, or our annual Field Day (complete with kickball, relay races, and lots of snacks), these experiences bring people together and remind our team why being here matters.

What could this look like at your organization? How can you create moments employees genuinely look forward to? Consider how you can shift the office from being a requirement to becoming an opportunity to connect and collaborate.

#2 Be Flexible When It Counts

After years of remote work, some employees may be hesitant to trade flexibility for an in-office routine. But for many, what matters most is having flexibility when it truly counts.

Life doesn’t always follow a schedule. When something important comes up, whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, a sick child, or an unexpected situation, employees need support, not scrutiny.

Flexibility isn’t always simple, especially in roles that require strict coverage or deadlines. But whenever possible, putting people first makes a difference. Trusting employees to manage their responsibilities shows you respect their time and their lives outside of work.

Here's the bottom line: treat people like humans, not robots! When you build that kind of trust, you create a workplace where people feel valued are empowered to do their best work.

#3 Perks That Perk People Up

Snacks and coffee are great, but perks that make life easier and better are what employees really remember. At our headquarters, for example, complimentary breakfasts and lunches are more than just free food. They create opportunities for employees to connect, relax, and recharge without stepping away from the office.

We also believe in offering meaningful perks that go beyond the break room! One way we invest in our team is by supporting the causes they care about. Through our donation matching program, TCWGlobal matches employee donations to nonprofits up to $5,000 each year.

And here is the best part: that includes your workers, too. Because you partner with us, your workers are eligible for this matching benefit. When your team gives back, we give back with them.

Perks should not just be “nice to have.” They can make your workers feel valued and make an impact!

#4 Upgrade the Office Vibes

Think about how you feel when you walk into a cozy café or a beautifully designed hotel lobby. Warm lighting, inviting seating, and thoughtful design make you want to linger. The same can be true of your office space.

At TCWGlobal headquarters, we’ve intentionally designed our spaces to feel comfortable, inspiring, and even a little fun. From quiet lounge spaces to massage rooms to adjustable lighting, we know that creating an inviting atmosphere makes a significant impact.

Turns out, not everyone thrives under that Severance-style fluorescent lighting! That is why we added flexible lighting options that let employees choose what feels best for them.

Beyond aesthetics, functionality matters too. Thoughtfully placed outlets, intuitive technology, and clear signage make it easier for employees to focus, collaborate, and connect without frustration.

When your office feels like a space designed with people in mind, employees shift from feeling like they have to come in to feeling like they want to come in.

#5 Celebrate the Wins!

A workplace that celebrates wins, big or small, is one where people feel seen and valued.

At our office, we make recognition a part of everyday life. We celebrate major milestones with intention, but we also look for small wins that deserve attention. Whether it is an employee’s creative solution in a meeting, someone stepping up to help a teammate, or a colleague simply bringing good energy to the day, we call it out.

Creating a culture of celebration does not have to be complex. It is about noticing, acknowledging, and appreciating the moments that make your team shine.

When employees know they are seen and valued, they are more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stick around.

The Winning Move

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to workplace culture. Every company’s blend of onsite, remote, or hybrid work will look a little different, and building a positive company culture will, too.

But no matter what model you follow, the goal is the same. Drop the tug-of-war ropes and create a space where employees feel valued, supported, and excited to contribute.

As our CEO, Samer Khouli, often says, the office should be a place employees choose to spend their time, not a mandatory destination.

We know that building a thriving culture takes time, energy, and focus. That is why we are here to help. Whether your team is in the office, working remotely, or spread across the globe, we take the complexity out of managing your workforce so you can focus on what matters most: creating an environment where people love to work and do their best.

When you invest in your people, you build a company that no one wants to leave. And that is the real winning move.