Companies are continuing to roll back remote work and roll out return-to-office mandates. Will the cubicle solve corporate productivity issues? Not everyone is convinced. Investor and TV personality Kevin O’Leary recently said on Instagram: “If you force people back into offices, you’ll only hire the bottom quartile. I want my competitors to hire those people. Not me.”
Only 10% of workers want to work onsite, according to a Gallup Poll last year. Yet nearly half of companies will mandate employees to work in office at least four days a week in 2026, a survey from Resume Builder finds. At the same time, almost 70% of managers report that hybrid and remote teams are more productive, according to a recent survey by Owl Labs.
Here’s what to consider if you have to navigate a return to the office:
- Figure out what you want. You can’t negotiate unless you have a standard of measurement. Create a list of five non-negotiables and how flexible you’re willing to be on these.
- Lead with facts and figures. Show your boss how flexible scheduling will boost the bottom line for the business. Back it up with research on increased motivation and productivity.
- Gather work testimonials. Ask your team members and even former managers to support you. Create a list of evidence that reflects your character, talent and good work ethic.
These three strategies won’t always work in your favor. Some companies won’t budge on their RTO policies. But if there’s room to negotiate, lead with clarity, show your research and prove that you can get the job done. It can put you at the top of the list for consideration.
Continue Reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenbatchelder/2026/03/31/your-company-wants-you-back-in-the-office-should-you-push-back/