I Prefer Working In-Person, But My Employees Want to Be Remote

"It depends on what you mean by work style. If it's mostly personal preference - along the lines of "I'm happier when I see people face-to-face more often" - I don't think that's a reason to make people come in. But it would be different if it genuinely affects the work - for instance, if you find that your team works through problems faster or more successfully in person"

", or if it's difficult to follow their explanations of how a project is unfolding without talking face-to-face, or if one of the ways you manage their work is by observing it in-person periodically and it's harder to do that virtually, or if you've seen from experience that brainstorming with a group all sitting in the same room gives you better results than doing it remotely. In cases like those, it's not unreasonable to explain that and plan for in-office days every week or two."

Managers should distinguish personal preference from work-related needs when setting remote or hybrid policies. Personal comfort with face-to-face interaction does not justify mandating office attendance. In-office days are reasonable when in-person collaboration demonstrably improves outcomes: faster problem-solving, clearer project explanations, necessary observational management, or better brainstorming results. In such cases, schedule regular in-office days (for example, weekly or biweekly) and explain the work-driven rationale. When work can be performed effectively remotely and productivity is proven, allow continued remote arrangements and prioritize objective work impacts over manager comfort.

Read at Inc