06/11/2024

Research Shows Talent Being Lost Due to RTO Policies

Companies face challenges retaining staff with return-to-office mandates

A seismic shift has significantly reshaped the corporate landscape, most notably within tech behemoths such as Apple, Microsoft and SpaceX. Traditionally celebrated as vanguards of innovation and exemplars of progressive workplace cultures, these giants are currently navigating the complex dynamics introduced by return-to-office (RTO) policies.

Recent pioneering research conducted by David Van Dijcke at the University of Michigan, Florian Gunsilius at Ipsos Public Affairs, and Austin Wright at the University of Chicago casts a revealing light on these policies. The study suggests that RTO might be subtly undermining the robust frameworks upon which these companies have long relied to sustain their leadership and innovative edge.

Research on Return-to-office Backlash

The study in question explores a colossal dataset, encompassing 260 million resumes paired with detailed corporate records, unveiling significant and telling trends. The researchers observed a marked migration of senior employees and those with prolonged tenure to companies that offer more flexible working conditions. This trend transcends mere job changes and represents a deliberate gravitation toward environments where flexibility and work-life balance are prioritized and celebrated. This shift is driven by evolving expectations regarding what constitutes a supportive and progressive workplace.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Psychology Today.