A recent survey suggests that some US companies enforced return-to-office (RTO) policies with the hope that it would lead to voluntary resignations by employees. Conducted by HR software provider BambooHR, the survey indicates this tactic, while potentially aimed at boosting productivity, may not be as effective as intended.
BambooHR’s study, conducted between March 9 and March 22, included 1,504 full-time US employees, with a sample that spans diverse gender, age, race, and geographic groups. The results, detailed in their report, paint a complex picture of workplace preferences and productivity.
According to the survey, 52 percent of respondents prefer working remotely, compared to 39 percent who favor in-office work. Despite this preference, many companies have implemented RTO policies post-pandemic, sometimes with the expectation that it would lead to natural attrition. Specifically, 25 percent of VP and C-suite executives and 18 percent of HR managers admitted they hoped RTO mandates would encourage voluntary departures.
However, assessing the success of these mandates is challenging. BambooHR’s report notes that 22 percent of HR professionals said their organizations lack metrics to measure RTO effectiveness. This results in a disconnect between the stated goals of RTO policies and their actual impact.
The survey also highlighted concerns among remote workers about job security, with 28 percent fearing layoffs more than their in-office counterparts. Additionally, some companies have reportedly discouraged remote work by linking promotion opportunities to in-office presence, as seen in the case of Dell employees who were told they wouldn’t be eligible for promotion if working remotely.
Despite the push for RTO, BambooHR’s data doesn’t support the notion that in-office work significantly boosts productivity. The report found that employees, whether working remotely or in-office, spend a similar proportion of their workday actually working, approximately 76 percent. Interestingly, in-office workers were found to socialize an hour more per day compared to remote workers.
Nevertheless, the survey also identified some perceived benefits of RTO. Nearly 48 percent of respondents reported improved work results, and 58 percent noted a stronger professional network since returning to the office. These findings suggest that while RTO policies might not universally enhance productivity, they could contribute to other professional benefits.
For a more in-depth look at the survey and its methodology, refer to the full report available here.