Enabling culture regardless of RTO

The ongoing discussions surrounding Return to Office (RTO) policies have become a defining moment for organizations and the future of work. For some, the transition back to in-office operations has been less about strategy and more about logistical concerns. Amazon’s 2024 announcement of a five-day office return mandate for its corporate workforce revealed one such issue—a lack of sufficient office space for thousands of employees in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Phoenix. This logistical hurdle, paired with shifting workforce dynamics, underscores the complexities organizations face when implementing RTO policies.

Some RTO scenarios reflect a larger trend that some are calling “executive nostalgia.” This inclination to recreate workplaces of the past can obscure the real ingredients of a thriving, modern work culture. A positive culture doesn’t come from physical proximity alone; rather, it’s built through intentional leadership that fosters trust, engagement, and innovation—whether employees are in the office or remote. Leaders who focus solely on bringing employees back to the office without addressing fundamental cultural dynamics risk missing the larger opportunity to create work environments that drive growth and satisfaction.