It seems that 2025 will be the year when a growing number of companies enforce return to office (RTO) policies. Yet, despite hopes for a more collaborative, productive, and engaged workforce, these mandates may not have the intended effect. Many organizations are proposing in-office work three days a week, while others are taking a more draconian approach, requiring employees to be in the office full-time. These new rules are prompting employees to rethink what’s important to them and where they ultimately want to work.
Amazon, with over 1.5 million employees worldwide, has opted for a complete RTO policy, requiring employees to be in the office five days a week. JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon has been one of the more vocal advocates of this return to office approach, both within his company and more broadly. But, the full return-to-office model is unlikely to work for several reasons.
Collaboration May Still Take Place Online
For many, RTO will mean commuting to the office closest to where they live, which may not be where their teammates or stakeholders are located. Companies have been hiring for talent, not location, and during COVID-19, workers moved to places where they felt safe and happy. Today, teams are rarely fully co-located, which means collaboration will likely continue to happen over platforms like Slack and Zoom rather than in Conference Room A. Helping employees improve their skills in leading online meeting, delivering virtual presentations and collaborating via online platforms may be a better investment than requiring employees to be onsite.
Productivity Will Decrease
According to Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie, RTO mandates could crush productivity. “RTO mandates may seem beneficial for junior workers who need more structure and oversight, but if you believe that the performance of middle and senior managers depends on their physical presence, you’ve hired the wrong people,” Morgan explained. Standard open-plan office configurations can make employees less productive. Morgan added, “Constant noise, impromptu meetings, and frequent interruptions make deep focus nearly impossible—especially for roles requiring creative or analytical work. Remote environments, tailored to individual needs, eliminate distractions and unlock employee potential.”
Talent Will Flee Rather Than Return To Office
Companies enforcing strict RTO policies risk losing top talent to competitors offering more flexible hybrid or remote arrangements. 73% of Amazon workers are reportedly considering quitting following the five-day in-office mandate. Although Amazon denies this, many believe that their RTO policy is being implemented in place of a layoff to avoid paying severance. Flexibility has become a key driver of job satisfaction and a top demand for job seekers. In a talent driven employment market, these policies could make keeping the best employees a challenge. Morgan noted, “Caregivers, neurodivergent employees, and top performers with options won’t tolerate rigid policies that ignore their needs.”
Corporate Culture Will Be Weakened
Instead of fostering a stronger, more collaborative culture, RTO mandates could do the opposite, signaling a lack of trust in employees’ ability to manage their work and eroding engagement and loyalty. This focus on presence over performance could backfire, spurring quiet quitting and making it harder to cultivate a positive workplace culture where employees are inspired to deliver their best.
RTO Could Increase Competition
Companies requiring employees to return to the office may face a smaller talent pool for open positions. Over time, this could hinder their ability to compete. Organizations offering more flexibility can attract top talent who are uninterested in rigid RTO policies. Additionally, flexible or fully WFA (work from anywhere) companies gain a significant competitive advantage when it comes to real estate. By avoiding high office lease costs, they can invest in other areas, further strengthening their position in the marketplace. Perhaps Jamie Dimon’s RTO fervor is related to his 60-story Park Avenue supertall skyscraper with 2.5 million square feet of office space. It is scheduled to open this summer.
Return to Office Won’t Work in Our New World of Work
At face value, returning to the office may seem like a reasonable request and a way to bolster corporate culture and inspire engagement. But when you look at the significant workforce changes since COVID-19, it feels like an anachronistic concept that’s not relevant for today’s world of work. Companies clinging to RTO mandates risk alienating their workforce and falling behind more flexible, forward-thinking competitors.