HR leaders abandon RTO debate for productivity focus

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — The return-to-office (RTO) debate that dominated workplace discussions appears to be wearing thin on HR professionals, who are now advocating for a more nuanced approach to workplace flexibility in 2025.

Why HR leaders are abandoning traditional RTO policies

HR leaders emphasize that productivity and employee growth should take precedence over physical presence.  “Let’s move forward together, building the future of work without looking—or going—back,” said Lauren DeYoung, a workplace futurist at Allstate. 

Echoing this sentiment, Julia Braun, CHRO at SoftwareOne, emphasized, “As long as people are being productive, it’s important to move away from policing where employees work and instead focus on their overall growth.”

Practical steps for workplace evolution

To ease transitions back to the office, HR experts propose the following steps:

• Drop one-size-fits-all approaches: Tailored work policies can unlock employees’ full potential.
• Over-communicate goals: Transparency fosters trust and alignment, reducing misunderstandings.
• Give employees time to adjust: Employers should allow for acclimation to new routines while offering support like flexible schedules.
• Make the office worthwhile: Reimagined office spaces and meaningful in-person events can enhance collaboration.

Building future-forward office experiences

WeWork’s CPO Susan Catalano suggests that office spaces must offer experiences unavailable at home, with deliberately designed environments that promote collaboration through conference rooms, breakout spaces, and common areas. 

Leaders like Dianne DeSevo, CPO at Dow Jones, are investing in creating meaningful in-office experiences. “We prioritize reimagined office spaces, enhanced wellness support, and culture-building gatherings that forge deeper connections,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sandra O’Sullivan, chief people and operating officer at Curriculum Associates, shared her company’s hybrid approach: “We encouraged—but didn’t require—employees to come in for key moments like onboarding and planning meetings. This approach has given our employees greater autonomy while fostering connections.”

As organizations move into 2025, the focus is increasingly on creating environments that support both individual and collective success, regardless of location.