Employees at organizations that are mandating stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies are feeling heightened pressure to be seen by their bosses.
According to BambooHR’s 2024 Return to Office (RTO) report, nearly half, or 42%, of employees “who returned to the office say they feel like they are showing up just for visibility.”
This is supported by 32% of managers who admit that monitoring employee activity was a key objective of their RTO policies.
The report’s data, collected from 1,504 full-time U.S. employees, shows a divide in work environment preferences. 52% of respondents said they favor remote work, drawn by the greater flexibility and work-life balance that it offers, while 39% prefer to be in the office citing the social and networking opportunities the comes from in-person collaboration.
The notion that in-office work naturally results in higher productivity is unsubstantiated, as both in-office and remote employees only work approximately 76% of a standard 9-to-5 shift. The other quarter “is spent socializing, procrastinating, or doing non-work-related tasks.”
The data shows how the newfound emphasis on employee visibility has its downsides. Both remote (88%) and in-office (79%) workers feel compelled to demonstrate their online presence continually. This trend, known as the “Green Status Effect,” involves keeping workplace messaging apps open to display an active status — a behavior which the researchers say is “actively eroding employee trust.”
Clear communication and tailored policies emerge as the essential tools to address these challenges.
“It’s essential to create a work culture that values both social connection and productivity,” Anita Grantham Head of HR at BambooHR said. “Encouraging team bonding activities, open communication, and flexibility in work arrangements can foster a sense of community while empowering employees to excel in their roles.”
The report delivers a warning on the potential downsides of RTO mandates, such as talent attrition. Nearly half, or 45%, of employees report significant talent loss within their organizations due to RTO, with more than one in four (28%) considering leaving their jobs if RTO policies are enforced.
