Back to Office Policies: Trends & Employee Reactions
The office is back—whether employees like it or not.
Over the past year, major companies have tightened their return-to-office (RTO) policies. Amazon, Google, and Disney now require employees to be in the office at least three days a week. Others, like JPMorgan Chase, have banned remote work for certain roles altogether. Some employees are adjusting. Others? They’re quitting.
A recent survey by FlexJobs found that 80% of workers would start job hunting if forced to return to the office full-time. That’s not a minor complaint—it’s a dealbreaker for many professionals.
Yet, companies keep pushing. Some cite “collaboration.” Others say “culture.” A few are just tired of paying rent on half-empty office buildings. Meanwhile, employees argue that remote work hasn’t hurt productivity. In fact, for many, it’s made them more efficient.
So what’s really going on? Why are some businesses clinging to office life while others embrace hybrid and remote models? And more importantly—what does this mean for your career?
Let’s break down the reality of return-to-office mandates, the reasons behind them, and what the future of work actually looks like.
Our April 1st Joke
On April 1st, we announced the opening of a London office where the Remote Rebellion team would be based every single day. Clearly, this is an April Fool's joke as we are not only advocates of remote work but also a 100% remote business. You won't find us in an office!
Whilst this is amusing to us, the reality in other companies isn’t so funny. Despite working remotely for the past 2 years, many employers are forcing employees to return to the office. The CEO of Goldman Sachs wants his 60,000 employees back in the office ASAP. David Soloman tells Bloomberg Television, “I certainly see a lot of Goldman Sachs employees returning to work by the end of the year." Also, Netflix's CEO doesn't see any advantages to working from home. The @Wall Street Journal quoted Reed Hastings saying: "Not being able to meet in person is a pure negative".
The hybrid option is the most popular among big brands such as Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Google, Unilever. But what hybrid actually means varies drastically from company to company. This could mean going to the office once, twice, or even four times a week.
Whether you’re happy going into the office a few times a week, or you want to be a full ‘digital nomad’, the important thing is to find a remote/hybrid solution that works for you.
You don't need to travel around the world to benefit from a remote job- remote work just gives you the FREEDOM to live where and how you want to live.
True ‘Remote 1st’ companies don't just allow you to work remotely ‘for now’, they have a strategic long term remote work policy that’s actually the preferred way of working and not just tolerated. The question is, how do you find these remote-first companies? You can find an A-Z list of Remote 1st Companies here.
When you join my programme, I provide you with a list of 200+ remote-first companies! Of these, 75% of them you can work from anywhere.
Why Are Companies Pushing Return-to-Office Policies?
Companies claim that returning to the office boosts productivity, collaboration, and company culture. But what’s the real reason behind these policies?
Commercial Real Estate Costs
Many companies signed long-term office leases before the pandemic. Now, with remote work still popular, their expensive office spaces remain underused. To justify these costs, companies are pushing employees back into the office, even if remote work has been just as effective.
Productivity and Control
Some executives believe in-person work leads to higher productivity. While studies show mixed results, there’s another factor at play—control. In an office, managers can physically see their employees working. Some leaders are uncomfortable with the shift to outcome-based performance metrics, preferring old-school oversight.
Cultural and Social Factors
Companies worry that remote work weakens workplace relationships, slows down knowledge-sharing, and makes employees feel disconnected from company values. They argue that spontaneous conversations, mentorship opportunities, and teamwork suffer when employees are remote.
Resistance to Change
For many leaders, the push for office returns is less about business needs and more about habit. Some executives simply prefer in-person environments because that’s what they know. Change is uncomfortable, and many companies are still adjusting to the idea that remote work is here to stay.
While these reasons might make sense from a corporate perspective, employees aren’t buying into them as easily.
Employee Reactions: Pushback, Protests, and Resignations
Employees aren’t just unhappy about return-to-office mandates—they’re actively resisting them.
• Amazon employees staged a walkout in 2023 to protest stricter return-to-office policies.
• Apple workers launched petitions, arguing that remote work made them more productive.
• Reddit lost 90% of its New York-based workforce after requiring employees to return to the office.
A FlexJobs survey found that 80% of workers would look for a new job if forced back into the office full-time. Many employees now prioritize flexibility over salary, choosing remote-friendly companies even if it means earning less.
Some companies have realized this and reversed their RTO mandates. Others are enforcing strict office attendance policies, using badge swipes to track who comes in and tying promotions to office presence.
The divide is growing—employees want flexibility, but employers are pushing for control.
What’s Next? The Future of Return-to-Office Policies
So, where do we go from here?
Hybrid Work Becomes the Norm
Full-time remote jobs may be harder to find, but fully in-office jobs are just as unpopular. Many companies are settling on a 3-day-in-office, 2-day-remote hybrid model as a compromise. This allows employers to maintain a physical presence while giving employees some flexibility.
Employee Leverage Shifts
As the job market fluctuates, return-to-office policies may change with it. In a strong job market, employees have the upper hand and can demand remote work. In a weaker job market, companies may feel more confident in enforcing office attendance without losing top talent.
Workplace Experiments Will Continue
Some companies are thinking beyond remote vs. in-office. They’re testing 4-day workweeks, asynchronous schedules, and results-based performance tracking rather than just requiring employees to show up in person. Companies that embrace these trends may gain a competitive edge in attracting top talent.
One thing is clear: forced return-to-office policies don’t work in the long run. Employees want flexibility, and companies that fail to offer it risk losing their best people to more forward-thinking competitors.
The office isn’t dead, but the traditional 9-to-5 model? That might be.
Conclusion
Remote work isn’t dead. But the battle over it is far from over.
Some companies will continue enforcing return-to-office policies, believing it boosts productivity, collaboration, and company culture. Others will listen to their employees and embrace hybrid or fully remote models.
Where does that leave you?
If your company is mandating an office return, assess your options. Do you see yourself thriving in an in-person setting? Does the commute make sense? If not, it might be time to explore remote-friendly employers—because they still exist, and they’re hiring.
If you’re navigating hybrid work, set boundaries. Establish clear work-from-home days. Make your in-office presence count. And don’t let “face time” replace actual performance as a measure of success.
The workplace is evolving, and rigid return-to-office policies won’t hold forever. Companies that adapt will attract and retain top talent. Those that don’t? Well, they’ll watch their best people walk out the door—maybe even for good.
And here are more fully remote jobs:
Tech/Product
Digital Business Analyst
Product Manager - B2B SAAS
Software Delivery Coordinator
Customer Success / Customer Support
Customer Support Specialist
Relationship Manager
Customer Service & Experience Manager
Sales/ Account Management
Sales Executive
VP Sales
Account Executive
Marketing
Digital Marketing Brand & Product Manager
Growth Marketing
PPC Strategist
*If you spot any errors/ any sneaky hybrid office jobs, please do let me know.
FAQs
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Employee rights depend on company policies and local labor laws. Some regions require reasonable accommodations for disabilities, while others protect flexible work arrangements. Always check your employment contract and legal protections.
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A return to work policy outlines the company’s expectations for employees returning to the office after remote work, medical leave, or extended absences. It typically covers work schedules, health and safety protocols, and compliance requirements.
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RTO stands for Return to Office in HR. It refers to policies and strategies companies use to bring employees back to in-person work after remote or hybrid arrangements.
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Communicate clearly and early. Set expectations, provide flexibility where possible, and address employee concerns. Ensure proper infrastructure is in place, offer incentives for in-office work, and gather feedback to make necessary adjustments.