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A leading motive behind many companies' return-to-office (RTO) mandates is to drive voluntary turnover, new research has revealed.
According to the survey from BambooHR, nearly 40% of managers, directors, and executives believe that their organizations used RTO policies to push employees to quit, thereby avoiding the need for layoffs.
Shockingly, 25% of VP and C-suite executives and 18% of HR professionals admitted to hoping for voluntary resignations as a result of these policies. This approach has led to significant talent loss, with 45% of employees reporting that their organizations have seen valuable team members leave due to RTO mandates.
The research indicates that this strategic move by executives and HR departments has left employees feeling disillusioned and mistrustful, exacerbating tensions in the modern workplace.
The report highlights that the vague reasons behind these mandates and the absence of clear productivity metrics have only fueled employees' fears of impending layoffs.
This sentiment is prevalent, as 28% of remote workers express concern that they might be laid off before their in-office counterparts. The underlying strategy has not only affected employee morale but also contributed to a broader commercial real estate crisis, as companies downsize office spaces amid declining workforce numbers.
Further key findings at a glance include:
Half of workers (52%) prefer to work remotely, while 2 out of 5 (39%) prefer to be in the office.
The majority of both remote (88%) and in-office (79%) workers take actions to prove they’re online and working.
42% of employees who returned to the office say they feel like they are showing up just for visibility.
Close to a third (32%) of managers admit the desire to track employees was a main goal for their company’s RTO mandate.
22% of HR pros admit their organization doesn’t have any metrics to measure a successful return to office policy.
A quarter (26%) of employees say a greater divide has developed between remote and non-remote workers since RTO, and close to half (44%) of hybrid/in-office employees say they don’t have as strong of a relationship with remote colleagues compared to those they see in office more often.
Employee preferences and productivity concerns
The survey also sheds light on employee preferences and the pressures they face under RTO mandates. While a majority of workers (52%) prefer remote work for its flexibility and work-life balance, 39% prefer being in the office, citing better focus and opportunities for social interaction.
However, the drive to prove productivity remains a common thread across both remote and in-office settings. An overwhelming 88% of remote workers and 79% of in-office employees feel the need to demonstrate their productivity to colleagues and managers. This has led to behaviors like keeping messaging apps open to show "active" status and engaging in performative actions to maintain visibility.
The survey also reveals a stark disconnect between remote and in-office workers, with 44% of hybrid/in-office employees feeling that their relationships with remote colleagues are weaker. This divide is further exacerbated by RTO policies, with 26% of employees reporting a greater separation between remote and non-remote workers.
Implications for company policies and employee wellbeing
The findings underscore the need for clear and supportive RTO policies that prioritize employee well-being and productivity. HR expert Anita Grantham emphasizes the importance of creating a work culture that values social connection and productivity. "It's essential to create a work culture that values both social connection and productivity.
Encouraging team bonding activities, open communication, and flexibility in work arrangements can foster a sense of community while empowering employees to excel in their roles," says Grantham. "I’ve found the key is to not separate the two by building teams that can laugh and work hard simultaneously."
Grantham further stresses the importance of clear expectations and regular communication. "Clear expectations and regular open conversations ensure that employees are hitting their targets, understand expectations, and feel included," she explains.
As organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid and remote work models, establishing transparent expectations and fostering open communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring employee satisfaction. By tailoring work policies to meet the diverse needs of their workforce, companies can ensure that employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best.
The BambooHR report highlights a critical juncture for businesses as they balance the demands of returning to the office with the evolving preferences of their employees. The success of these efforts will depend on the ability of companies to adapt and create environments where both productivity and employee well-being can thrive.
