The “back-to-work” mandate for part time workers, which has been a prominent issue since the pandemic, refers to employers requiring employees to return to physical workplaces, sometimes after extended periods of working remotely. 

This mandate is controversial because it affects different groups of workers in various ways. 

For part-time workers, who already navigate a unique set of challenges, this directive can have a range of positive and negative implications. If you are in the type of role where you couıld be required to return to the workplace after a period of working remotely there are going to be both advantages and disadvantages. 

There are lots of reasons why people choose to do part time work rather than full time roles, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of dealing with a Return To Office mandate; from flexibility issues and productivity to your own wellbeing.

The Pros of the Back-to-Work Mandate For Part-Time Workers

Structured Work Environment

One of the major benefits of the back-to-work mandate for part time employees is the structured environment that a physical workplace offers. 

Remote work often requires a high level of self-discipline and time management and not all workers thrive in such an environment. 

Returning to the office or worksite provides a clear division between home and work life, making it easier for you to focus and stay on task during your shifts.

For many part-time workers, having a set schedule and physical workplace helps establish routine and maintain productivity. This can be especially helpful for those of you who have had to create home working areas whilst also looking after small children and juggling all that comes with that. 

The in-person environment promotes accountability and can reduce distractions, particularly for workers who find it challenging to work from home due to factors such as children, household responsibilities or limited space. 

A return to the place of work itself offers the tools and resources you need without relying on your own personal internet connections, equipment or a quiet, focused environment that may not always be available at home.

Improved Communication & Collaboration With Fellow Workers

The back-to-work mandate can foster improved communication and collaboration among part-time employees.

Working together in person allows for more direct interaction with coworkers and supervisors which can enhance problem-solving and innovation and your own professional development.

Remote work, while convenient in many ways, can lead to delays or miscommunications due to reliance on digital communication platforms such as email, instant messaging or video conferencing.

Face-to-face interactions make it easier for you to ask questions to your peers and superiors, receive immediate feedback and build stronger working relationships.

Additionally, part-time workers often need to collaborate with full-time colleagues, managers or team members and being physically present in the workplace can make this process much easier and more streamlined. 

Spontaneous conversations or quick clarifications can happen more naturally in person, potentially reducing the need for scheduled meetings or back and forth emails. 

This can be particularly beneficial for part-time workers who may have limited hours to complete their tasks and need efficient communication to perform well.

Being back in the workplace also gives you the opportunity to be around other people in the same line of work as yourself. It is an opportunity to wear your professional head, to dress differently and just have that break from the home space that, for some people, can be a stressful or perhaps even tying place.

Access to Workplace Benefits and Support

Many workplaces offer benefits and support systems that are only available onsite. 

Part-time workers who are required to return to the workplace may gain access to resources such as professional development opportunities, mentorship and social support networks that are less accessible in a remote environment.

This can lead to career growth and skill development that might be more difficult to achieve when working from home.

Also, depending on your place of work, you might have access to perks such as free or subsidised meals or a workplace gym, for example. Being in the workplace could save you money and also improve your fitness and wellbeing. 

Job Security and Employer Trust

Part-time workers who engage in physical labour or customer-facing roles may find that returning to the workplace allows them to perform their jobs more effectively and this can strengthen your position within the company.

Some employers feel more comfortable managing part-time employees when they can observe their performance in person. On the positive side, this can boost your opportunities for professional development, helping you to build your career. 

The Cons Of The Back To Work Mandate for Part Time Workers

As with many things in life, if there are advantages to a situation, there are also disadvantages that come along with it.

If you are a part time worker or you are currently looking for a part time job that requires you to be in the workplace, let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages you might come across.

Loss Of Flexibility

Perhaps the most significant drawback of the back-to-work mandate for part-time employees is the loss of flexibility. Many people choose to work part time for the very reason that they get to work flexible hours.

Remote work allows many part-time workers to manage their jobs alongside personal responsibilities such as caregiving, education or other forms of employment. 

By requiring workers to return to a physical workplace, employers may inadvertently make it harder for part-time employees to balance these commitments.

For instance, if you work part time because you are also a parent of young children, you  may struggle to arrange childcare during shifts, especially if your work hours are irregular or spread out over multiple days.

Some people also like to work multiple part time jobs. Working from home or in other remote venues offers the flexibility of being able to more easily manage these different roles. If you now have to make the journey to a place of work and be physically present there for a given number of hours, it might mean you can no longer fit other roles into your schedule.

Remote work provides a level of flexibility that allows part time workers to manage their time more effectively and the back to work mandate may disrupt this balance.

Increased Commuting Costs and Time

Part-time employees often work fewer hours than their full-time counterparts and the costs associated with commuting can disproportionately affect them. 

For someone working a part-time job that only requires 20 hours per week, commuting to and from the workplace could take up a significant proportion of their unpaid time. Also, transportation costs, whether for petrol, parking or public transport costs can add up quickly. 

In some cases, this could force you to question whether or not it is worth continuing in your current part time job as the overall financial benefit has been reduced.

In urban areas where public transport is necessary, commuting can add hours to an already short work week, leaving part-time workers with less time for other activities. This is especially the case where traffic is very heavy at certain times of day or when buses and trains are full or cancelled.

This can be a particular problem for workers in low-paying part-time positions where transport costs represent a significant portion of their earnings.

Health and Safety Concerns

Even as the immediate threat of Covid has diminished in many parts of the world, health and safety concerns remain a significant issue for workers returning to the office. 

Part-time employees, particularly those of you who may be older or have preexisting health conditions, might be uncomfortable or anxious about returning to shared workspaces. It could also be a concern for those of you who might be carers for others in your household; the fear of bringing a virus home with you.

This can create stress and reduce the enjoyment of your part time job. 

Potential For Unequal Treatment

Depending on the nature of your part time job, there could be potential for you feeling you are not being treated equally to your full time colleagues when it comes to returning to the office.

Some companies may offer more flexibility or remote work options to full time staff whilst, as part time staff, you may be required to return in person with fewer accommodations. 

This can create a sense of inequity and lead to dissatisfaction amongst those of you who, as part time staff, may feel that your contributions are undervalued.

A Loss Of Work Life Balance

Another popular reason why people choose to work part time is to improve their work life balance. If this has been enhanced by your ability to work remotely, you could feel that you are losing some of that balance by returning to the workplace.

A return to the office can introduce some challenges related to balancing work with family life, education or other obligations. 

Part-time workers who typically have more variable or limited hours may struggle to adjust to the demands of commuting and working in person, especially if their shifts are scheduled at inconvenient times.

Also, the physical separation between work and home that is reintroduced by the back  to work mandate can increase stress for those of you who previously benefited from the flexibility of remote work.

For some of you, a return to the workplace will mean that you will need to arrange – and perhaps pay for – childcare or care for others in your household. This can be stressful for part time workers who depend on flexible employment for supplemental income rather than as your primary source of livelihood.

Are You Happy To Return To The Workplace?

The back-to-work mandate for part-time workers presents both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, returning to the physical workplace can provide a more structured environment, enhance communication and collaboration and offer access to workplace benefits. 

It can also lead to greater job security and strengthen employer trust in your dedication. However, the mandate also poses significant challenges, including a loss of flexibility, increased commuting costs and time, health and safety concerns, potential for unequal treatment and work-life balance disruptions.

Ultimately, the success of the back-to-work mandate for you as a part time worker depends on how well your employer deals with these challenges.

If there is a company culture where you feel your manager’s door is open and they are willing to take on board your concerns, it could be possible to reach a fair deal where being back in the workplace can be a win-win situation for both you and your employer. 

If you are currently looking for part time work, whether remote jobs or roles that give you the option to be in a physical place of work, take a look to see if there are any positions on offer to suit you.