Remote work became the norm during the pandemic. Now with that behind us, many companies are requiring their staff to return to the office. Some require people to return to the office 2 to 3 times per week, whereas others mandate people to be in the office full-time, even though remote work has been proven to be successful.
Our technology recruiters in Toronto are seeing this happen with many of their clients, as are our headhunters working in other industries. However, there has been a lot of pushback from employees, academics, and others in the business community. Below, we’ll discuss if remote work is destined for a comeback.
Why is remote work poised to make a comeback in 2025 and beyond?
Many organizations are now enforcing Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates despite growing evidence that hybrid work is more effective for productivity and employee satisfaction. However, in a recent interview on Fast Company, Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei argues that many pro-RTO leaders push for in-office work due to nostalgia rather than data-driven performance benefits. They simply like seeing employees at work.
In-office work doesn’t improve performance or strengthen culture
He argues there is a lack of evidence for performance gains. Research overwhelmingly shows that hybrid work does not decrease productivity. In fact, flexibility is highly valued by employees, and forced RTO policies may harm engagement and retention.
The belief that in-office work strengthens culture is a myth. The reality is many employees wear noise-cancelling headphones or work in isolation even when in the office, limiting meaningful collaboration.
Why are CEOs requiring a return to the office?
Many CEOs dislike remote work despite its benefits. They want to see employees physically present, even when it doesn’t improve performance.
Frei asserts that RTO mandates stem from emotional preferences rather than rational business decisions. Leaders enforcing them often ignore performance data and risk losing their best employees.
Will employee backlash result in the return of remote work?
Companies enforcing strict RTO mandates are seeing resistance, lower engagement scores, and high turnover among top talent who seek more flexible work environments.
As early adopters of strict RTO policies face negative consequences, the trend may reverse, with more companies reconsidering their approach to hybrid work. Perhaps a logical solution is to meet somewhere in the middle. Allow employees to work from home a few days per week and have flexibility with their work schedule rather than a full return to the office.
What do you think? Will we see more companies offering remote work as a tool to attract top candidates?
Read More About The State of Remote Work
The Battle Over Remote Vs. In-Office Work: Who’s Winning in 2024?
