eBooks & Guides

Hybrid Work in 2025 6 Copyright © 2025 Tango. All rights reserved. 05 Why Traditional Data Isn't Enough Even companies that track office attendance often struggle to make use of the data. That's because many still rely on badge scans, which offer limited insights and are vulnerable to manipulation (like coffee badging). In Tango's 2024 study, 30% of firms said hybrid work caused operational challenges, many of which stemmed from inconsistent or incomplete occupancy data. Other challenges cited include: Occupancy challenges brought on by too many employees working remotely on Fridays Maintaining teamwork and collaboration when some team members are remote Being inclusive and ensuring all perspectives are heard Accurately tracking occupancy Balancing in-person and remote work Equipping employees with the necessary technology Keeping remote work as secure as on- site work Having to meet on Zoom all day even when working from the office Additionally, most occupancy strategies are overly narrow. Nearly all organizations use occupancy data for space optimization, but very few use it to improve broader business outcomes like sustainability or maintenance efficiency. The organizations that will thrive in this next phase of hybrid work will be those that treat occupancy as a strategic asset—not just a metric. 06 Poor Hybrid Strategies Have a Human Cost Employees want flexibility, but they also want structure that works. When hybrid policies are confusing, inconsistent, or poorly supported, engagement drops—and so does retention. One recent Gallup study found that employees without clear hybrid expectations were 2.5x more likely to be actively disengaged. Worse, rigid RTO mandates with no accompanying value (collaboration, mentorship, career growth) often send employees looking elsewhere. Building a hybrid workplace is about more than space— it's about trust, transparency, and meaningful support.

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