Why Are Major Companies Forcing Employees Back to the Office? The Shocking Truth Behind RTO Mandates

The Great Office Return: A Trend or a Misstep?

As we navigate through 2025, a significant shift is underway in the corporate world. Major companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and JPMorgan Chase are rolling back flexible work policies, mandating employees to return to the office. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced a new policy requiring corporate staff in the US to be in the office at least four days a week, up from the current three-day requirement. This move is part of a broader trend where companies are pushing for increased office attendance, despite clear employee preferences for hybrid models.

The Starbucks Mandate: A Closer Look

• Increased Office Days: From October, Starbucks' corporate employees must work in-office four days a week.
• Relocation Requirements: Leaders and managers must relocate to Seattle or Toronto within 12 months.
• Voluntary Exit Program: Employees unwilling to comply can opt for a cash payment to leave the company.

The Big Question: Why the Push for RTO?

Ben Thompson, CEO of Employment Hero, suggests that the push for return-to-office (RTO) mandates stems from a mix of old habits and genuine belief in in-person collaboration. However, he warns that retrofitting outdated structures onto modern work practices may hinder business progress.

The Fallout: Employee Dissatisfaction and Operational Challenges

• Dell's Enforcement Issues: Reports indicate uneven enforcement of RTO policies, leading to office politics.
• JPMorgan's Morale Drop: Employee surveys show declining wellbeing scores post-RTO.
• AT&T's Capacity Problems: Overcrowded offices and parking lots, with long elevator wait times.

The Future of Work: A Hybrid Horizon?

Despite the current trend, Thompson predicts a long-term rise in remote work, driven by human desire for autonomy, advancing remote collaboration technologies, and the global spread of internet access. He envisions a future where remote work not only survives but thrives, challenging traditional office-centric models.

Key Takeaway: The debate over remote work versus office mandates is far from over. While companies cling to traditional models, the evolving workforce and technological advancements may ultimately redefine where and how we work.