More Companies to Tighten Remote Work Policies Next Year

Over half of business leaders (52%) are planning to enforce stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies in 2025. The push to bring employees back into the office is growing, with big names like Amazon, Dell, and Ubisoft already leading the way by mandating full-time office work. It looks like more companies will follow their lead, aiming to bring employees back to the office after the flexibility of remote work during COVID.

More Companies to Tighten Remote Work Policies Next Year

In a recent survey, 3 out of 4 business leaders admitted they're struggling with employees not following post-pandemic office rules. Despite warnings about job security or losing out on bonuses, many companies are still grappling with how to make sure their staff follows through. Leaders believe that working more in the office can help employees' career growth, but it’s clear the issue runs deeper than just showing up.

Challenges with Compliance and 'Coffee Badging'

The survey, conducted by ResumeTools, asked 713 U.S. business leaders (manager-level and above) about their companies’ RTO policies. An overwhelming 77% said that getting employees to comply is at least a minor issue, and for 8%, it's a major headache.

Nearly half (47%) of respondents shared that their workers simply don’t show up on the days they're supposed to be in the office. What’s worse, 2 out of 5 leaders reported that even when employees come in, they don’t stick around. Instead, many engage in a tactic known as "coffee badging," where they swipe their ID to log their presence, grab a coffee, and leave shortly after.

“Employees Want Flexibility”

It’s no surprise then that 52% of respondents expect to crack down on RTO policies next year. Of those, 40% are certain they’ll be enforcing these rules much more strictly. However, Julia Toothacre, the chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates, warns companies against going too far. According to her, the root cause of employee non-compliance is often the heavy-handed approach businesses are taking.

She explains that many workers feel betrayed or lied to by their employers regarding return-to-office expectations. “Employees want flexibility,” Toothacre says. “When they don’t have a choice, it’s understandable that some are bending the rules to prioritize their families or their own well-being.”

Carrot or Stick? The RTO Dilemma

Enforcing these RTO policies is a tricky task for business leaders, as recent pushback from workers at companies like Dell demonstrates. The survey found that 21% of companies lay off employees who refuse to follow RTO policies, and 18% withhold bonuses. Shockingly, 7% said workers who don’t comply face ridicule from their peers.

But Toothacre suggests that encouraging employees to return to the office with positive incentives may work better than punishment. “Promotions aren’t just about performance,” she says. “They’re about building relationships, gaining visibility, and influencing others. Being in the office helps with that.”

According to the survey, 49% of business leaders agreed that employees who spend more time in the office are more likely to get promoted, and 45% said they're also more likely to receive a pay raise.

In the end, the question remains—will businesses find the right balance between offering flexibility and enforcing rules? For many workers, the answer could shape their future career and personal choices.