Bosses admit using RTO mandates to force employee resignations

UTAH, UNITED STATES — A recent study revealed that 25% of high-level executives used the return-to-office (RTO) policy to force employees to quit their jobs voluntarily.
The study, conducted by BambooHR from March 9 to 22, involved 1,504 full-time U.S. employees and unearthed some unsettling motivations behind the shift away from remote and hybrid work setups.
The study also found that 28% of remote workers feared being laid off before their in-office counterparts, highlighting the perceived job insecurity associated with remote work.
“Nearly two in five (37%) managers, directors, and executives believe their organization enacted layoffs in the last year because fewer employees than they expected quit during their RTO,” the study stated.
“And their beliefs are well-founded: One in four (25%) VP and C-suite executives and one in five (18%) HR pros admit they hoped for some voluntary turnover during an RTO.”
Strategic downsizing through RTO
This finding aligns with previous indications that the RTO push was driven by motives beyond productivity concerns.
Last year, Mike Hopkins, SVP of Amazon Video and Studios, admitted that the company had “no data either way” to support its sweeping RTO mandate, which even denied promotions to remote workers.
Furthermore, a recent Resume Builder study revealed businesses stick with RTO despite talent loss. Major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX saw a significant exodus of senior employees after implementing RTO mandates.
“The discontent with return to office policies is strong among employees, with more than one in four (28%) stating they would consider leaving their positions if subjected to such mandates. This level of dissatisfaction could lead to a further drain of talent, affecting not just morale but also the stability and innovation potential of the workforce,” the report noted.
Reevaluating RTO mandates
The revelation that some executives might favor RTO policies for reasons other than productivity calls for a reevaluation of such mandates.
As the workforce continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to adopt flexible policies that prioritize productivity, employee well-being, and retention of top talent, regardless of their physical location.