Is that a wrap on RTO?

In the past year, employers have enforced return-to-office mandates, despite employee demand for flexibility. Are employees finally winning the battle against RTO??

BUSINESS LEADERS ARE BACKING OFF: Just 4% of U.S. CEOs said they will continue to prioritize a full-time return to the office this year, according to a survey from workplace management app deskbird .

"I made a prediction at the beginning of this year that everybody would pick a side on RTO, and we see that happening," says Jennifer Dulski , CEO of software company Rising Team . "The companies that land on the side of flexible work will be the winning companies."

Here's why employers are backing down: Employees are winning the battle against RTO

RE-THINKING REMOTE: Workplace social platform Airspeed found that 90% of employers know that connection and culture are lacking for remote team members, and a report from Executive Networks found that 71% of HR managers admitted to offering preferential treatment to in-person workers over their remote colleagues.??

"What is that element of the water cooler moment? It's these social moments where we spontaneously come together and connect," says Jennifer Britton , author and professional leadership coach with coaching platform Potentials Realized . "In a hybrid or all-remote world, we need to be a little bit more intentional in creating that, so people are connected not only by the results of their work, but in their relationships."?

Here's how to find a better balance in and out of the office: 2024's great debate: Are you for or against RTO?

PERK UP! EBN's award winning podcast, Perk Up! is back for a brand new season about what it's like to be a working parent in 2024. Starting Wednesday, May 15, we'll be launching a new eight-episode series taking a look at the experience of having kids and balancing work in 2024.??

Catch up on what to expect from the latest season: Get ready for Season 3 of Perk Up!