RTO has a communication problem: Here’s how to get it right

Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have a bad reputation, largely due to a broader communication problem. Despite this, in 2025, several major companies have announced plans for employees to return to the office. The good news is that right now, with another wave of RTO announcements coming out, companies have an opportunity to get communications right and ensure it is received as positively as possible by employees.

That said, if companies continue to miss the mark when it comes to communicating the ‘why’ behind an RTO mandate, research suggests that they will be at risk of losing key talent. To avoid this, companies need to make sure they clearly articulate the purpose behind their decision to call for RTO, emphasizing flexibility, recognition and transparency in any communications around an RTO mandate.