The federal government's chaotic return-to-office effort highlighted the importance of effective office management and employee experience.HR professionals need to focus on creating an office space that works for employees' needs and enhances productivity.Ensuring basics like badge access, office internet readiness, and workplace audits are essential before mandating a return to the office.Assigning regular office attendees a space and providing hoteling options for others are crucial considerations for HR.Physical space usage should be optimized to match the work people are doing to avoid underutilization and improve productivity.Executive team involvement and support are vital for successful return-to-office planning and implementation.Managers need to be empowered to assist their direct reports effectively and provide necessary support in the office.Establishing clear office policies, such as core hours and commute considerations, is essential for a smooth return to the office.Encouraging meaningful in-person interactions and creating space for conversations can enhance the office experience for employees.Organizations must align office policies with their goals and make the return to the office purposeful for employees.