Is working from home consigned to history?

Three years ago, remote work was a necessity. Today, it's labelled a privilege. Tomorrow? Apparently, it's history.

The return-to-office debate has evolved since the pandemic, but not necessarily forward.

While we initially swung far into remote territory, there's undeniable value in office presence:

↳Culture
↳Learning
↳Collaboration
↳Communication

But what I'm hearing now is concerning.

More and more businesses aren't just requesting a hybrid model, they're mandating full-time office returns with zero flexibility.

Even less flexible than pre-2019.

While the viral Spotify billboard simplifies this to a matter of trust, the reality is more complex with economic and political agendas all in the mix, often being passed off as ‘business drivers’.

Have we already forgotten the lessons of the past few years about engaging our people and maximising their potential?

This isn't about choosing sides between remote or office work.

It's about acknowledging that rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches rarely lead to the best outcomes.

This topic goes straight to the heart of my values around human leadership.

What's your take on this shift to full-time office return? Are you seeing similar trends in your industry?

Drop me an email and let me know.