Return-to-Office Mandates Drive Talent Loss and Hiring Challenges, Study Finds

Research reveals increased turnover and hiring difficulties for companies enforcing in-office work policies, with skilled and senior employees most affected.

A study of 54 high-tech and financial firms found that return-to-office (RTO) mandates increased employee turnover rates by an average of 14%.
Skilled and senior employees, who are more likely to find alternative opportunities, are disproportionately leaving companies with RTO policies.
Female employees experience nearly three times higher attrition rates than male employees due to RTO mandates, partly due to greater family responsibilities and demand for workplace flexibility.
Companies with RTO mandates face a 23% longer time to fill job vacancies and a 17% decrease in hire rates, significantly raising hiring costs.
Critics argue that RTO policies foster distrust, reduce employee engagement, and may even be used as a subtle strategy to encourage voluntary resignations.