A third of employers feel their organisation is not ready for staff to return to the workplace, a new survey has found.
The research found that two thirds of businesses expect some employees will simply refuse to return to work when restrictions are lifted.
From this coming Monday workers will be able to attend their offices and workplaces once more for specific business requirements only.
However, the return must be phased and staggered until October 22 when it is hoped that remaining restrictions will be lifted.
The revised workplace safety protocols, agreed between unions, employers and the Government, say the level of return should depend on the workplace and informed by consultation with staff.
A two metre social distancing will remain in place for now, along with requirements for appropriate ventilation, mask wearing in certain circumstances and hygiene measures.
However, the survey of 200 HR professionals, carried out by law firm Mason Hayes and Curran, found just 70% felt their organisation is prepared for the development.
68% felt that the social distancing distance should be reduced to one metre.
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Just over half said they are planning for staggered start/finish times to allow employees to avoid public transport during rush hour.
However, a third said they felt some employees will simply refuse to return to the workplace.
"The partial re-opening of offices from 20 September and the full return on 22 October will present challenges for both employers and employees," said Melanie Crowley, Head of Employment Law at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP.
"As the results of our survey show, even if organisations are well prepared for the return of employees, there will inevitably be challenges with employees who don't want to return, the bedding down of hybrid working practices and the fact that employers can't ask employees whether they are vaccinated."
The Forsa trade union has said that employers must continue to consult with staff in relation to the return to work next week as many workers had "mixed views" about going back into the workplace.
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Head of communications with Forsa Bernard Harbor said it is a positive development to see restrictions being relaxed, but added that there is a huge appetite for blended working going forward.
He said that those who have been working remotely welcome the fact that official guidance on returning to work is cautious and that arrangements should be staggered.
Mr Harbor said the health and safety guidance for employers is very strong and is being taken seriously by employers who are being vigilant about the virus.
He said that to ensure the gains are not lost, employers should continue to consult with staff going forward.
