The Hidden Costs of Mandatory Office Returns: Productivity, Wellbeing, and Retention
The rise of remote and flexible work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the modern workplace, giving employees unprecedented control over schedules, commuting, and work-life balance. Yet as organizations push for a return to the office, many are discovering new challenges—challenges that affect both personal lives and business performance. For example, a 2024 poll by Eagle Hill Consulting found that 50 percent of U.S. workers prefer employers who offer remote or hybrid work flexibility (Eagle Hill Consulting, 2024). This widespread demand for flexible work reflects a changing workforce mindset. However, some employers are responding with full-time office mandates, which can carry hidden costs for both employees and organizations.