The Rise of Mandatory RTO in 2025: How Clear Policies and Communication Will Be Key
As RTO mandates are on the rise, clear communication around expectations will be essential to avoid employee confusion and distraction.
As we look ahead to the workplace of 2025, one of the most significant trends I outline in the Enlighted 2025 Building and Workplace Predictions is the increased prevalence of mandatory return to office (RTO) policies. According to industry experts at ResumeBuilder, 9 out of 10 companies in the U.S. are expected to have RTO mandates in place by 2025. This shift towards more rigid RTO requirements comes after a period of widespread remote and hybrid work during the pandemic. However, I feel that employees can’t be fully engaged if they’re unsure about the most basic rules of their job: where the work should happen, and when. Clear communication around RTO expectations will be essential to avoid employee confusion and distraction. Some might not like it, but a clear policy makes it simpler to organize the work week, for the employer and for employees.
The Rise of Hybrid Work Policies
While RTO mandates are on the rise, the majority of companies are expected to adopt hybrid work models by 2025. Deloitte research shows that 60% of U.S. Fortune 500 companies have already implemented structured hybrid policies. This hybrid approach allows for a mix of in-office and remote work, providing employees with more flexibility. However, it also creates a greater need for clear guidelines and communication from employers. I want to emphasize that organizations need to carefully consider the right strategic choice for RTO, stick with it and communicate clearly with employees.
The Risks of Unclear RTO Policies
Lack of clear RTO policies can lead to significant challenges for both employers and employees. A recent survey by Stanford University economist Nick Bloom found that 38% of respondents had faced two or more distinct policy changes around RTO since 2020. This type of uncertainty and constant change can be highly disruptive, impacting employee productivity, engagement, and morale. And whatever gains in productivity and innovation employers may expect from increased time in-office, they are at risk of being offset by employee confusion and distraction.
Setting the Stage for Success in 2025
To navigate the shift towards more widespread RTO mandates, employers will need to take a strategic and thoughtful approach. This includes:
- Carefully considering the right RTO policy for their organization and workforce
- Clearly communicating RTO expectations, guidelines, and any changes to employees
- Providing resources and support to help employees adapt to new in-office requirements
- Empowering managers to consistently implement RTO policies across the organization
By prioritizing clear communication and change management, companies can set their employees and themselves up for success in the return to office environment of 2025. You can read the full 2025 Building and Workplace Predictions here.
As we look ahead to the workplace of 2025, one of the most significant trends I outline in the Enlighted 2025 Building and Workplace Predictions is the increased prevalence of mandatory return to office (RTO) policies. According to industry experts at ResumeBuilder, 9 out of 10 companies in the U.S. are expected to have RTO mandates in place by 2025. This shift towards more rigid RTO requirements comes after a period of widespread remote and hybrid work during the pandemic. However, I feel that employees can’t be fully engaged if they’re unsure about the most basic rules of their job: where the work should happen, and when. Clear communication around RTO expectations will be essential to avoid employee confusion and distraction. Some might not like it, but a clear policy makes it simpler to organize the work week, for the employer and for employees. While RTO mandates are on the rise, the majority of companies are expected to adopt hybrid work models by 2025. Deloitte research shows that 60% of U.S. Fortune 500 companies have already implemented structured hybrid policies. This hybrid approach allows for a mix of in-office and remote work, providing employees with more flexibility. However, it also creates a greater need for clear guidelines and communication from employers. I want to emphasize that organizations need to carefully consider the right strategic choice for RTO, stick with it and communicate clearly with employees. Lack of clear RTO policies can lead to significant challenges for both employers and employees. A recent survey by Stanford University economist Nick Bloom found that 38% of respondents had faced two or more distinct policy changes around RTO since 2020. This type of uncertainty and constant change can be highly disruptive, impacting employee productivity, engagement, and morale. And whatever gains in productivity and innovation employers may expect from increased time in-office, they are at risk of being offset by employee confusion and distraction. To navigate the shift towards more widespread RTO mandates, employers will need to take a strategic and thoughtful approach. By prioritizing clear communication and change management, companies can set their employees and themselves up for success in the return to office environment of 2025. You can read the full 2025 Building and Workplace Predictions here.
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