Tag: RTO

Remote Work Reversal: How Federal RTO Mandates Are Influencing Public and Private Sectors

Federal workers are being called back to the office, marking a significant shift in government telework policies. The Trump administration’s renewed focus on return-to-office (RTO) mandates is designed to curb remote work and reshape the federal workforce. But is this a push for productivity, or a strategic way to reduce the size of government through […]

Pros and Cons of “Voluntary” Attrition

Voluntary attrition—when employees choose to leave a company on their own—can be an attractive workforce strategy for organizations looking to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. The Trump administration has leaned on this approach in recent months, implementing policies like mandatory return-to-office (RTO) mandates and a “deferred resignation” program, which offers up to eight months […]

Compliance Issues with Voluntary Attrition

Many companies use return-to-office (RTO) mandates or resignation packages to encourage voluntary attrition, hoping to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. While these strategies may seem like a smart way to cut costs, they come with significant legal and compliance risks. Employers must carefully navigate discrimination laws, constructive discharge claims, and severance agreement regulations to […]

‘Coffee Badgers’ Thwarting RTO Plans? Here Are Some Tips

Remote work saved the day during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now many employers—even those that initially embraced fully remote or hybrid work—are calling their people back to the office, triggering a cleverly named fad: “coffee badging.” What Is Coffee Badging? Some high-profile employers are getting pushback from employees who are unhappy with return-to-office (RTO) policies […]

Is the Great Resignation Poised for a Resurgence?

The Great Resignation, a phenomenon that saw millions of workers leave their jobs in search of better opportunities and work-life balance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, is just barely in the rear-view mirror for many employers. But, as we enter 2025, surveys are indicating that this is a trend that will continue or […]

2024: A Year of Debate (RTO)

Ready to dive into the biggest HR controversies of 2024? Our ‘Year of Debate’ series explores the key topics that ignited intense industry discussions. From Gen to AI and DEI, this series provides HR leaders with the information and insights they need to stay ahead of the curve. The battle lines are drawn as we […]

Expert Q&A: Controversial Return-to-Office Mandates and the Future of Work

Return-to-office (RTO) mandates have become a hot topic, with major corporations like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Dell insisting employees work on-site. However, Amazon’s hardline policy on returning to the office or else is being met with resistance, and other companies are considering their options. In a recent Q&A released by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business, Tim […]

PwC to Use Employee Location Data to Police RTO

The battle over return-to-office (RTO) policies among employers has often been a bitter one with bad blood on both sides. Some employers believe workers are less productive and tend to slack off more when working remotely. Employees often resent what they see as heavy-handed RTO mandates, some of which threaten workers with loss of promotion […]

Enhancing Workplace Satisfaction: Navigating the New Normal in the Post-Return Office

In the wake of the pandemic, there’s been a notable return to traditional work settings, with 96% of companies resuming operations in a physical workplace. This widespread return-to-office (RTO) movement has been reflected across industries, and as most businesses transition back to the office, it’s evident that in the modern workplace, well-being requires reevaluation. It’s […]

Dell’s New Remote Work Policy Sparks Debate

Computer technology company Dell has made headlines for its new work-from-home policy. According to the policy, fully remote employees will no longer be eligible for promotions. There is an exception, however, for hybrid workers (i.e., those who spend three days a week in the office). Unsurprisingly, the policy has sparked debate and confusion over the […]