Businesses pushing return-to-office mandates may be “more bark than bite,” but employees who are facing it should still talk to their employer about it, according to RemoteWorker.jobs, a leading recruitment firm, resource website and job board for remote workers, jobseekers and HR looking to hire top talent.

For more than a year, dozens of businesses have been trying to get their remote workers to go back to working in-person at least part of the time. That pressure has increased as of late, especially with high-profile celebrities adding their input to the mix and urging Americans to let go of remote work. New research suggests that of the approximately 80% of Americans who are working remotely either full-time or partially (hybrid), almost 30% are either being required or pressured to return to the office full-time (the Conference Board).

“Remote workers are flat out refusing to go back into physical offices,” says Joseph Boll, Remote Worker CEO. “This is clear from the high percentages of people still working remotely and the fact that remote jobs still receive the highest number of applicants.”

In instances where previously remote employees are forced to return to the office, several studies show RTO only fosters resentment, negatively impacting morale, making more workers want to resign and increasing turnover rates.

Boll says, “Sadly, there is a lot of anti-remote-work rhetoric out there. But it’s encouraging to see that most people see it for what it is and call it out on social media. Current remote workers and those looking for remote jobs should also ignore this kind of language when it comes up. Studies and hard facts show how much remote work is thriving, and the fact that most workers do not want to give it up in any circumstance speaks for itself.”

At the same time, Boll said remote workers who may be facing RTO should not be dismissive about it. Instead, RemoteWorker.jobs encouraged such workers to communicate their needs as an employee. Without giving into pressure to concede a highly sought-after benefit, remote workers can make the case for why remote work is ideal for them and find common ground with their employer.

“Some people have the impression that they’ll be let go on the spot if they push back against the pressure, but communication will be critical for navigating the way forward,” Boll says.

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About Remote Worker (US)
Remote Worker is designed to help hiring managers and businesses connect with job-seeking professionals for remote work positions. We are affiliated with Remote Worker (UK), ClickJobs.io, EcoCareers.org and Caribbean Employment Services Inc. For more information, visit https://www.remoteworker.jobs or contact [email protected].