Rigid return-to-office mandates are a losing battle

"A sweeping new report from Cisco has thrown a spotlight on a pressing issue: 65 percent of all respondents say they have considered a career change due to rising return-to-office policies, and 57 percent of workers say that flexibility had a "significant influence" on their decision of whether to take a job. Just as telling, 63 percent of all respondents globally would accept a pay cut in exchange for more remote work opportunities."

"Cisco's 2025 Global Hybrid Work Study, encompassing more than 21,000 professionals across 21 countries, offers a nuanced view of the hybrid work landscape. Amid widespread transitions toward more structured in-office requirements, employee dissatisfaction is mounting. Nearly half of all surveyed employees said their organization's new hybrid work policy requires more office time than the previous one, whereas 32 percent noted a reduction in flexibility."

"The impact on retention for high performers is especially striking: 78 percent have considered leaving their jobs because of inflexible in-office rules, compared to 65 percent of all workers. These are not merely vocal dissenters - they are the very individuals most likely to drive innovation, productivity and organizational growth. By ignoring their preferences, companies risk triggering brain drains that could cripple their competitive edge."

Sixty-five percent of respondents have considered a career change because of rising return-to-office policies, and 57 percent report that flexibility significantly influenced job choice. Sixty-three percent globally would accept a pay cut for more remote work. Nearly half of employees report new hybrid policies require more office time, and 32 percent experience reduced flexibility. High performers are particularly affected: 78 percent considered leaving due to inflexible in-office rules, versus 65 percent of all workers. Major employers and some government entities are enforcing stricter in-office mandates, risking talent loss and potential declines in innovation, productivity, and competitive advantage.

Read at The Hill