Forced exits | Are many RTO policies simply layoffs in disguise?

Return-to-office (RTO) policies are coming under renewed scrutiny after fresh data revealed that some executives view them as a tool to manage headcount.

A survey of more than 1,500 US managers found 25% of C-suite leaders admitted they hoped to spark voluntary resignations by enforcing office attendance.

One in five HR professionals also acknowledged that their in-office policies were designed to make staff leave. The report concluded that “RTO mandates are layoffs in disguise.”

Worker backlash meets leadership strategy

Rigid office rules have drawn significant pushback from staff. Amazon has faced some of the strongest resistance, with around 30,000 employees signing a petition against its mandate. More than 1,800 pledged to walk out in protest, and some staff told Fortune they were “rage applying” to new jobs. “Honestly, I’ve lost so much trust in Amazon leadership at this point,” one worker said.