The Great Return: How Office Mandates Are Reshaping Work

In 2020, remote work seemed like a win-win—companies saved on office space, and employees gained flexibility. But in 2024, the tide had turned. Major corporations like WPP, JP Morgan, and Amazon are enforcing stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies, citing concerns over collaboration, accountability, and productivity. In New York Magazine’s recent piece, Managers Have Won the War on Remote Work. But Where Does Everyone Sit?, WPP’s CEO Mark Read put it bluntly: "I just don’t believe you can do our job on the end of a video screen."

The Rise of "RTO Creep"

Many companies initially embraced hybrid work—two or three days in the office—but these policies have gradually escalated. What started as a compromise has become a near-full return. Employees, frustrated by the slow erosion of flexibility, are pushing back. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon dismissed remote autonomy outright, criticizing virtual disengagement: "A lot of you were on the Zoom, doing the following: looking at your mail, sending texts about what an asshole the other person is, not paying attention."

Employee Pushback and Unintended Consequences

RTO mandates haven’t been met with enthusiasm. A petition against WPP’s policy gained 20,000 signatures, with employees citing longer commutes, childcare struggles, and reduced autonomy. Some workers have turned to "coffee badging"—swiping in for appearances and heading home. Others question the motives behind these mandates, with studies suggesting some firms tighten RTO rules during financial downturns to shift blame for poor performance.

While executives frame RTO as a culture booster, employees often see it as a cost-cutting tactic. Some firms, like fintech company Altruist, are even forcing remote workers to relocate, leading to resignations. These policies may cut payroll expenses, but they raise concerns about long-term talent retention.

Where Dojo Comes In

Dojo helps companies navigate the complexities of RTO with smarter space management. Our platform provides a unified view of office occupancy, helping businesses right-size their real estate footprint. The Scenario Planner enables teams to create optimized floorplans based on real-time employee data, ensuring efficient workflows and seating arrangements.

Our occupancy analytics feature delivers insights into room capacity, badge entry patterns, and peak usage times—allowing companies to make data-driven decisions about their office space. Instead of guessing how much space is needed, businesses can optimize layouts to support hybrid and in-office work effectively.

Dojo's Occupancy Analytics Dashboard

The Future of Work: Finding Balance

The RTO debate isn’t going away. While some executives insist office mandates foster collaboration and culture, employees expect flexibility. The key to a successful return isn’t just enforcing attendance—it’s making the office a place worth coming back to. And that starts with smart, strategic space planning.

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Authored by Isabella DeLeo