By 2025, Many Firms to Demand 3 Days in Office Weekly

Imagine this: Almost every 4 out of 5 companies with a return-to-office (RTO) policy plan to have their staff in the office for at least 3 days a week by the end of 2025. That's according to a survey of 900 business leaders conducted by a resume-building platform. While many employees might prefer the comfort of their homes, employers have their reasons. Teamwork, company culture, and even existing lease agreements top the list. You might be thinking, "What about productivity? " Well, while a significant chunk of companies mention increased productivity as a reason, many studies suggest employees actually feel more productive at home. So, why the push to get back to the office? Many firms believe it strengthens company culture, improves communication, and promotes collaboration – all pretty important stuff.

Let's talk about these leases. A lot of companies have them, and they last for a while. Nearly half of the surveyed firms have leases that run to 2028 or longer. Not surprisingly, these leases influence their RTO policies. But here's a bright spot: some companies are planning to reduce their office space, which might mean fewer days in the office for workers. Now, a study from universities in the US and China found something interesting. When companies bring back RTO mandates, they experience a higher employee turnover rate, about 14%. This increase is especially noticeable among female, senior, and skilled employees. Is this a case of "quiet firing"? Some think so. That's when a company creates conditions that make an employee want to leave on their own. Whatever the reason, companies need to consider if losing their best talent is worth it.

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