Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Spring 5-28-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Communication - Corporate Communication
Language
English
First Advisor
Professor Caryn Medved
Abstract
When the pandemic era was concluded, organizations were facing difficulties in bringing employees back to the office. The purpose of this study is to investigate dynamics influencing employee reluctance to be back to the office and to explore the effective re-engagement strategies aiming to propose effective strategies. Although there is a good amount of literature exploring the employee reluctance to be back to the office, there are gaps such as the need for post-pandemic studies and inclusive communication strategies, underscore the timeliness and relevance of the proposed thesis. By using a qualitative method, a survey utilizing Qualtrics Online Survey Software, with a mix of closed and open-ended questions, was distributed on social platforms and to known personnel using the snowball method. The data of 41 qualified participants were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore preferences, concerns, and communication strategies crucial for fostering a successful return to the office. Themes such as commute-related concerns, productivity and work environment issues, health and safety considerations, work-life balance challenges, and financial factors emerged as significant barriers to returning to the office. This thesis seeks to provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations for organizations grappling with the challenge of re-engaging their workforce in office-based work environments. The findings aim to contribute to the evolving discourse on post-pandemic work dynamics and offer pragmatic solutions to facilitate a smooth and successful transition back to the office.
Recommended Citation
Chit, Khin Thaw Ta, "Back To The Office: US Employee Reluctance And Re-Engagement Strategies" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/192