‘Back-to-the-office’ mandates are a polarising topic dominating the media. But what exactly are they?
In this article, Hubble defines return-to-office mandates: what they are, their pros and cons, and real-world examples from major companies like Amazon and Dell.
- What is a back-to-office mandate?
- Different types of office mandates
- What are the pros and cons of office mandates?
- Real-world examples of return-to-office mandates
- How to communicate an office mandate to your team
- How Hubble can help
What is a back-to-office mandate?
A return-to-office (RTO) mandate is a formal workplace policy requiring employees to work from the office instead of remotely or from home.
Unlike flexible working, this is not optional. Office mandates are official instructions that all employees are expected to follow.
Different types of office mandates
Office mandates can have varying levels of intensity.
At Hubble, we split these into two categories: hard mandates and soft mandates. Here’s the lowdown:
1) Hard return-to-office mandates
Hard mandates are considered the strictest return-to-office policies.
With a hard mandate, the expectation is clear: work in the office or face disciplinary action.
Examples include:
- Set-Day Mandates: Employees must be in the office for a set number of days each week—ranging from two days at EY to a full five-day schedule at Goldman Sachs.
- No Exceptions for Remote Work: Requests to extend remote work beyond the mandate are typically denied, and repeated refusal to comply can result in termination.
2) Soft return-to-office mandates
Soft mandates are considered to be a more flexible approach to getting employees back in the office.
Rather than strict rules, employers encourage employees to return by highlighting the benefits of in-person work.
Think of it as a less rigid, more gradual way to transition to office-based work.
Examples include:
- Set Days in the Office: Employers require employees to be on-site on specific days, often for tasks that benefit from in-person collaboration, like team meetings.
- Team-Building Focus: Employers promote office attendance by organising activities such as post-work drinks or game nights, helping create a positive, engaging atmosphere.
What are the pros and cons of mandating an office return?
Rolling out a return-to-office mandates can be risky.
In our 2025 Workspace Satisfaction Report, 51% of respondents admitted resignation fears if they were to enforce a strict office mandate:
But we can’t deny there are pros (as well as cons) to adopting a stricter stance on office attendance.
In fact, one Chief of Staff at a 250+ company in our survey praised a fully office-based strategy for its ability to improve employee engagement:
“We chose it as we found many people were not that engaged with the business and goals… many new joiners were struggling with onboarding, teams were not working well together etc.” — Chief of Staff, 250+ company.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good ROI on office space: Mandating employees return to the office ensures you’re not paying for unused space. | Risk of employee backlash: Mandating a full return to offices could result in increased resignations and discomfort. |
| High energy: A vibrant, densely packed environment promotes team energy and information flow. | Space limitations: There’s an increased need for phone booths, meeting rooms, and places for collaboration. |
| Productivity boost: In-person work is seen as more productive and efficient. | Getting the location right: Finding a location that suits the whole team can be challenging and limiting. |
Real-world examples of return-to-office mandates
Amazon
Amazon’s return-to-office policy has changed a lot in recent years.
In 2021, team leaders were given the freedom to decide whether their teams worked remotely or in the office. By 2023, Amazon introduced a three-day in-office requirement.
Then, starting in January 2025, the company moved to a full five-day office schedule for all employees.
Dell
In February 2025, Dell CEO Michael Dell announced that employees near a Dell office are expected to work on-site five days a week starting in March.
While emphasising the efficiency of in-person work and noting many teams have already returned, he added, “We remain committed to flexibility, but you should plan to work in the office most days.”
Disney
Disney requires employees to return to the office four days a week, as stated by CEO Bob Iger in 2023.
This immediately sparked backlash, with 2,300 employees signing a petition in a clear protest against one of the strictest hybrid policies since the pandemic started.
How to communicate an office mandate to your team
1) Ensure there’s communication and clarity
When we asked leaders how to roll out stricter office attendance, their top advice was clear communication.
Many shared expectations through direct emails or HR updates, spelling out how many days and which ones.
The key is to be crystal clear to avoid any confusion.
2) Lead by example
Having leaders return to the office first often encourages others to follow.
It sets a positive tone, showing that everyone—leaders included—is in it together, with no special treatment for the C-suite.
3) Accept there may be discomfort
A strict RTO mandate may cause discomfort and some resignations, so it’s important to be prepared.
However, those who stayed often adjusted and became more engaged—making the shift to a fully office-based strategy worthwhile for many companies.
How Hubble can help
If you’re ready to mandate staff back into offices and you need a new office, Hubble is here to help.
For over 10 years, we’ve helped thousands of businesses find great spaces for their teams. Our easy-to-use platform offers three flexible workspace solutions to fit your needs:
While you browse, create shortlists, and book viewings, our expert Tenant Advisors work behind the scenes—sending tailored recommendations, attending viewings, and negotiating the best deals on your behalf, all at no cost to you.
Don’t believe us? See what our customers have to say on Trustpilot!
