Return-To-Office: Purpose Over Presence?

The return-to-office (RTO) vs. work-from-home (WFH) debate has become one of the most polarizing workplace discussions in recent years. High-profile companies Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Tesla, and even Zoom are mandating multiple days of in-office work, while others, like Spotify, dismiss such mandates. In an interview in 2024, Spotify ... See more

RTO advocates also claim that physical presence builds culture. Culture is built through everything we do – in person or online, through both spoken and written words. The real question is what kind of culture we build. Top-down RTO mandates are more likely to communicate cultures where control is more important than trust, where obedience is more ... See more

Despite attention-grabbing headlines, research shows that WFH levels have remained steady since late 2023 and that well-structured hybrid models improve retention, expand access to talent, and reduce office costs – without harming productivity. Instead of debating hybrid work’s existence, leaders and teams should focus on making it work. The key is... See more