In a recent survey conducted by Great Place to Work, findings reveal that remote work significantly impacts employee morale, productivity, and retention. The survey, which included over 4,400 U.S. employees aged 18 and older, underscores the benefits of remote work environments. Workers who operate remotely are 27 percent more likely to look forward to their job, 23 percent more likely to report a psychologically and emotionally healthy workplace, and 19 percent more likely to experience high levels of cooperation. Additionally, 18 percent of remote workers noted a reduction in office politics and backstabbing.
The study, titled “Return-to-Office Mandates and the Future of Work” (PDF), also explored the disparities in employee experiences between remote and in-person work. It observed that employees of color find remote work offers a reprieve from unconscious bias and code-switching, highlighting the importance of remote work options for creating inclusive work environments.
Notably, the study highlights that return-to-office (RTO) mandates can adversely affect employee retention. Workers who have a choice in their work setup—be it in-person, remote, or hybrid—are three times more likely to remain with their company in the long term. The study also states that employees without RTO mandates are 14 times less likely to “quit and stay,” a phenomenon where employees disengage but continue to be on payroll.
Earlier studies echo these sentiments. A survey from the University of Pittsburgh in early 2023 found that RTO policies harmed employee morale without enhancing company value (Ars Technica). Additionally, another survey published by the University of Chicago and University of Michigan in May reported that RTO mandates led to higher rates of turnover, particularly among senior-level employees at major tech firms such as Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX (Ars Technica).
These findings suggest that companies should reconsider the implementation of rigid RTO policies and explore flexible work arrangements that meet employees’ needs while maintaining productivity and inclusivity.