Appendix – Return-to-office mandates: What is at stake for workers, companies, and gender equality?

Appendix Return-to-office (RTO) mandates threaten to reverse the flexibility and work-life balance gained through remote work, disproportionately harming women and caregivers by increasing commute costs and burnout, and risking career setbacks like promotion delays. This creates a two-tiered workforce with flexibility stigma, potentially widening the gender pay gap and harming innovation. While proponents cite collaboration and culture benefits, workers report flexibility boosts productivity and loyalty, leading to pushback and a potential exodus from companies enforcing strict RTO policies.