After years of remote work flexibility, the pendulum has swung. Companies, both in the private and public sectors, are increasingly mandating a “return to office” (RTO). But is this return a seamless transition back to normalcy, or a bumpy ride filled with unexpected potholes? Evidence suggests it might be the latter.
The Promise vs. the Reality
The rationale behind RTO mandates often centers on improved collaboration, enhanced company culture, and increased productivity. However, the reality on the ground paints a less rosy picture.
As Wharton Business School points out, these RTO mandates feel like a “high-stakes game,” with companies pushing for a return without fully considering the consequences. Employees, accustomed to the flexibility and autonomy of remote work, are facing a starkly different landscape.
Incivility, Micromanagement, and Political Stress
Fortune reports a worrying trend: the rise of workplace incivility. The pressure of RTO, combined with ongoing layoff anxieties and simmering political tensions, is creating a more stressful and hostile work environment. Micromanaging, a common symptom of distrust in remote work, is now amplified in the physical office space, further eroding employee morale. Gaslighting tactics, where employees’ concerns are dismissed or denied, are also on the rise, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The Federal Fiasco: Parking Chaos and Toilet Paper Woes
The return to office in the federal sector is proving particularly challenging. A Federal News Network investigation, echoed by the Economic Times, reveals a litany of issues. Overcrowded parking lots, long commutes, and even basic necessities like toilet paper are becoming scarce. These dire conditions, reminiscent of a “Doge diktat” according to some, are hardly conducive to a productive or positive work environment. These issues highlight a critical lack of preparation and investment in infrastructure to support a full-scale return.
Will RTO Mandates Stick?
The long-term sustainability of these RTO mandates is questionable. As UNSW reports, the initial enthusiasm may wane as the practical challenges and employee resistance mount. The key question is: are companies truly committed to improving the employee experience, or are these mandates simply a power play disguised as a productivity initiative?
The Path Forward
A successful return to office requires more than just dictating a return date. Companies need to:
- Invest in Infrastructure: Ensure adequate facilities, including parking, restrooms, and collaborative workspaces.
- Address Employee Concerns: Actively listen to and address employee anxieties about safety, commuting, and childcare.
- Foster a Positive Culture: Combat incivility by promoting respectful communication, providing clear expectations, and offering support resources.
- Embrace Flexibility Where Possible: Recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed. Consider hybrid models or flexible scheduling options to accommodate individual needs.
Ultimately, the success of the return to office depends on whether companies can create an environment that is not only productive but also supportive, equitable, and respectful. Without addressing the underlying issues and prioritizing employee well-being, the great return may quickly become the great regret.
Sources
- Fore, Preston. (2025, April 01). Workplace Incivility, Micromanaging, Gaslighting on the Rise as Return-to-Office Mandates and Layoffs Create Political Stressors. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/2025/03/31/workplace-incivility-micromanaging-gaslighting-on-the-rise-return-to-office-layoffs-political-stressors/
- Friedman, Drew. (2025, March 31). Parking Chaos and No Toilet Paper: An Inside Look at the Federal Return to Office. Retrieved from https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-report/2025/03/parking-chaos-and-no-toilet-paper-an-inside-look-at-the-federal-return-to-office/
- Wharton at Work. (2025, April). The High-Stakes Game of RTO Mandates. Retrieved from https://executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu/thought-leadership/wharton-at-work/2025/04/high-stakes-game-of-rto-mandates-2/
- The Economic Times. (2025, April 01). US News: Trump, No Toilet Papers, Parking: US Federal Workers Describe Dire Conditions as They Return to Office After Elon Musk-Led Doge Diktat. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-trump-no-toilet-papers-parking-us-federal-workers-describe-dire-conditions-as-they-return-to-office-after-elon-musk-led-doge-diktat/articleshow/119858808.cms?from=mdr
- Uhlman and Ticha. (2025, April 01). Return to Office Mandates Are Here – But Will They Stick?. Retrieved from https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/04/return-to-office-mandates-are-here—but-will-they-stick-
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