New research suggests many companies have used return-to-office (RTO) mandates as a tool to reduce headcount. A BambooHR survey of over 1,500 U.S. managers found that one-quarter of C-suite executives admitted they hoped RTO policies would prompt voluntary resignations. One in five HR professionals acknowledged that their in-office requirements were specifically designed to make staff quit.
Nearly 40 percent of managers surveyed said their organizations eventually turned to layoffs because not enough workers left after RTO mandates were introduced. The report concludes that "RTO mandates are layoffs in disguise," echoing a sentiment long suspected by employees.
The backlash to rigid office policies has been well-documented. Amazon faced one of the largest employee protests, with about 30,000 workers signing a petition and more than 1,800 pledging to walk out in opposition to its RTO requirement. Many staffers described updating their résumés and job hunting immediately after the mandate.
Data shows that 99 percent of companies with RTO mandates have seen lower employee engagement, nearly half have experienced higher-than-expected attrition, and 29 percent are struggling to recruit. BambooHR’s research further found that about one-third of employees would consider quitting if forced back to the office, even if fewer ultimately follow through.
The findings highlight a growing divide between leadership strategies and employee expectations, raising questions about the long-term costs of rigid return-to-office enforcement.
https://fortune.com/2025/09/30/bosses-admit-return-to-office-mandates-meant-to-make-staff-quit/