What are effective workplace strategies for the return to office?

The most effective return-to-office (RTO) strategies combine clear policy, human-centered flexibility, data-driven decisions, and office designs that employees actually want to use.
RTO success isn’t just about mandating a presence—it’s about building a workplace that drives collaboration, morale, and performance.

Set a clear, consistent policy

‍Ambiguity kills momentum. A successful RTO starts with clarity:

Define the number of in-office days (e.g. four days/week)
Standardize schedules so teams align on office days
Ensure leadership visibly supports the policy

‍Example: At Density, leadership championed a 4-day in-office policy with a dedicated focus day from home (Wednesday). The result? Greater alignment and stronger team productivity.

Be flexible where it counts

‍Structured flexibility beats rigid mandates:

Offer set hours that accommodate commutes (e.g. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. core hours)
Provide advance notice—2+ months—for RTO transitions
Run engagement surveys to track sentiment and adapt based on feedback

Insight: Companies that listen to employees and adjust thoughtfully see higher buy-in, retention, and morale.

Create workspaces people want to return to

‍Employees won’t return to ghost-town offices. A great office:

Matches how people actually work (collaboration spaces, not just desks)
Prioritizes comfort and flexibility
Builds “Critical Mass” by consolidating presence into fewer floors to spark energy and interaction

Example: One Density client swapped underused meeting rooms for lounge-style work pods based on occupancy data. Office engagement rose without adding new space.

Use data to continuously adapt

Don’t guess—measure behavior with occupancy data:

Identify “ghost meetings” and free up unused rooms
Prioritize cleaning and amenities based on real-time usage
Track which floors or zones need redesign or consolidation

Example: One client resolved meeting room shortages by realizing 25% of bookings were ghosted. They introduced Live Wayfinding to direct people to actual open space

Rebuild office culture with intention

RTO isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and cultural:

Plan purposeful in-person moments: brainstorming, trainings, team bonding
Show up: leader presence boosts attendance
Design for inclusivity: some employees (especially neurodivergent workers) need quiet zones or assigned desks

Stat: 87% of Gen Z workers have never worked in a full-time office. For them, this isn’t a return—it’s a first-time experience.

Summary

Effective return-to-office strategies prioritize clarity, flexibility, data, and culture.
By designing better spaces, listening to employees, and using real-time occupancy data, companies can build workplaces that not only bring people back—but make them want to stay.

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How do I improve the employee experience with workplace analytics?

You can improve the employee experience by using workplace analytics and occupancy sensors to design better spaces, support hybrid work, and make data-driven decisions that align with how people actually use your office.
Workplace analytics helps you understand how your environment supports (or hinders) focus, collaboration, well-being, and productivity—all of which directly impact engagement and retention.

What are the advantages of occupancy sensors?

Occupancy sensors provide real-time, accurate insights into how spaces are used—helping companies reduce costs, improve office design, and make better business decisions.
They eliminate guesswork from space planning and empower workplace, facilities, and real estate teams to optimize every square foot.