Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Return-to-office (RTO) mandates are a major topic in workplace trends, and they continue to impact how employees work.
For many, remote work has become synonymous with improved work-life balance, reduced commuting costs, and greater flexibility — particularly for working parents and caregivers.
Losing these benefits of remote work can feel daunting, especially for remote and hybrid workers accustomed to the autonomy of working from home.
RTO mandates could very well mean it’s time for you to move on, and you wouldn’t be alone. According to FlexJobs’ State of the Workforce Report, “35% of people said they know someone who has quit or who plans to quit their job due to return-to-office mandates.”
Furthermore, “57% of respondents said they would ‘absolutely’ look for a new job if they were not allowed to continue working remotely in their current position.”
Whether you’re deciding to adapt or find other remote jobs, you’ll find actionable insights to make informed choices in this guide.
What Does Return to Office (RTO) Mean?
Return-to-office (RTO) means implementing policies that require employees to work on-site instead of remotely.
“When a company mandates RTO, that means management wants their employees to be back in the office, in person,” explained Toni Frana, FlexJobs’ Lead Career Professional.
“Some companies will require a five-day-a-week return to the office, and others may decide to lean into a hybrid option. Hybrid options vary and could mean employees must be in the office four days a week but are able to maintain a remote workday once per week.
“Other options may offer a bit more flexibility on the number of in-person days and remote days.”
What to Do If Your Company Has a Return-to-Office Mandate
You might feel overwhelmed when faced with a return-to-office policy, but there are several steps you can take to address your concerns and find a path forward that aligns with your personal and professional needs.
Following are actions you can take if your company enacts an RTO mandate.
1. Can I Refuse to Return to the Office?
While refusing to comply with an RTO policy may seem like an option, you need to proceed with caution.
In most cases, employers can enforce a return to office unless your employment contract or local labor laws state otherwise. Before making any decisions, review your employment contract and consult an employment attorney to understand your legal standing.
If you believe your refusal is based on valid concerns, such as health-related exemptions or caregiving responsibilities, gather documentation and raise the matter with your HR department.
2. Understand Your Company’s RTO Policy Details
Before taking action, review your company’s RTO policy carefully. Understand the specifics, such as the timeline for returning, whether it’s a full-time return or a hybrid schedule, and any exceptions or accommodations the company might offer.
Consider asking your manager or HR for clarification on unclear aspects, like the reasoning behind the mandate and whether flexible work arrangements are negotiable.
3. Consider How RTO Will Affect Your Finances and Lifestyle
Returning to the office can come with additional costs, such as commuting, childcare, or relocating closer to the workplace. Take time to calculate how these changes may affect your finances and work-life balance.
Understanding the impact can help you weigh whether adapting to the policy is feasible or if it’s time to explore other options.
4. Negotiate for a Hybrid Work Schedule
If full-time office work isn’t feasible for you, consider setting up a meeting with your manager and/or HR representative to discuss possible options for a hybrid work arrangement.
Hybrid jobs combine remote and in-office work, allowing flexibility while meeting company expectations.
“To prepare for this type of meeting, you will want to share solid data about your accomplishments while working remotely,” shared Frana.
“It will be important to highlight those accomplishments, but also how productive and efficient you are while working remotely. An employer would want to feel confident about your successes before agreeing to a proposed compromise between returning full-time to the office or maintaining a hybrid schedule.”
5. Search for a New Remote Job
If your priorities no longer align with your company’s RTO mandate, exploring remote job opportunities might be the best solution. Many companies have a remote-first or fully remote structure.
And if you’re wondering how to find fully remote jobs, platforms like the one here at FlexJobs offer curated listings of high-quality remote, hybrid, and flexible jobs, helping you maintain the remote work environment where you can thrive.
“In the event you decide that you will start looking for new opportunities for remote roles, be sure to update your resume and cover letter with your remote work experience,” Frana advised.
“Employers hiring for remote roles like to see any experience you have with working remotely, as well as key skills to be successful as a remote worker. For instance, technology know-how, problem-solving, and having a growth mindset matter when it comes to being successful in a remote environment.”
5 Reasons Why Companies Are Choosing Return-to-Office Mandates
While remote work has proven effective for countless employees and businesses, some organizations believe in-office work provides unique advantages that virtual setups cannot fully replicate.
The reasons behind these decisions often reflect broader business goals and industry-specific challenges.
Read on as we explore key reasons why some companies are prioritizing a return to physical offices.
1. Enhancing Team Collaboration
In-person work environments often foster spontaneous collaboration and stronger team dynamics. Organizations argue that face-to-face interactions enable quicker problem-solving and more creative brainstorming sessions.
For example, hallway conversations or impromptu whiteboard sessions can spark ideas that might not arise in a structured virtual meeting.
However, remote work has also introduced a range of new digital tools that facilitate collaboration, such as Slack, Zoom, and collaborative project management platforms. These tools have enabled many remote teams to maintain connection and productivity while working apart.
It’s worth noting that generational differences play a role here — older generations may prefer in-person collaboration, while younger workers who are more accustomed to digital tools often find remote collaboration just as effective.
Ultimately, the approach varies by company, team, and even individual preferences.
2. Addressing Productivity Concerns
Although remote work has been successful for many, some companies express concerns about maintaining consistent productivity levels. Managers often worry that distractions at home, such as household responsibilities or lack of a dedicated workspace, can hinder employees’ ability to focus.
Moreover, returning to the office allows for closer supervision, quicker feedback, and immediate support for struggling employees.
As written in an article from Gartner, “More time in the office likely provides managers with a sense of familiarity with their employees and gives them greater visibility into their direct report’s workflows.”
Research on this topic remains mixed. Some studies highlight that remote workers are more productive due to fewer office distractions and the ability to customize their schedules.
For instance, Global Workplace Analytics reported that “Best Buy, British Telecom, Dow Chemical, and many others show that teleworkers are 35%-40% more productive,” and that “businesses lose $600 billion a year in workplace distractions.”
On the contrary, a study from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) found, “Fully remote work is associated with about 10% lower productivity than fully in-person work.”
Others suggest that productivity suffers for roles that require constant monitoring or collaborative input, as digital oversight tools may not fully replicate the accountability of in-person supervision.
3. Reinforcing Company Culture
Company culture often thrives in a shared physical environment where employees can engage in team-building activities, face-to-face mentorship, and casual interactions that strengthen connections.
Traditionally, this has been a cornerstone of organizational success, with in-office settings enabling leadership to more visibly communicate values and goals.
However, the rise of remote work has marked a transitional era for corporate culture. Many leaders of remote teams are grappling with how to replicate the organic sense of belonging that physical offices offer.
Virtual happy hours, team-building games, and online forums are innovative attempts to bridge this gap, but they often fall short of recreating the depth of in-person experiences.
For some companies, RTO policies serve as an opportunity to reestablish cultural norms and solidify relationships through shared physical spaces, while others embrace a hybrid or remote-first approach to redefine what culture means in a digital age.
4. Justifying Real Estate Investments
Real estate costs are among the largest fixed expenses for many organizations. Companies with long-term leases or owned office buildings are often eager to maximize their return on investment.
Empty offices can symbolize wasted resources, prompting some businesses to call employees back to make better use of these spaces. Interestingly, some companies have opted for downsizing instead, transitioning to smaller office spaces or adopting a hybrid model with shared desks and flexible scheduling.
For businesses committed to a return to office, the decision often comes down to balancing the financial implications of maintaining office space with the perceived benefits of in-person work.
5. Ensuring Data Security
Certain industries prioritize on-site work due to the sensitive nature of their operations. Fields like finance, health care, and government often handle confidential data that requires strict compliance with regulatory standards.
While remote work has been facilitated by secure VPNs, encryption, and cybersecurity protocols, the risk of breaches or unauthorized access is heightened when employees work outside a controlled office environment.
When it comes to data security, RTO mandates are less about preference and more about mitigating remote work security risks and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure in a centralized location.
Companies Hiring: Resources for Those Facing RTO Mandates
As many companies move forward with return-to-office mandates, it’s important to remember that remote work is far from disappearing. Numerous organizations still embrace remote work for the long-term, and many companies consistently post remote and hybrid job openings.
If you’re seeking flexibility, the good news is that there are still plenty of opportunities out there with top companies committed to supporting remote work.
If you’re considering a switch, here’s a list of remote companies that consistently post remote-only jobs:
