Why Corporate America Is Abandoning Remote Work

In the years following the pandemic, remote work became the new normal, but that's not the case anymore. Companies like AT&T, Amazon and Dell have brought their employees back into the office five days a week. What's causing the push for employees to return-to-office, and is it the best way forward?

Producer: Valentina Duarte
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Editor: Marisa Forziati
Animator: Christina Locopo

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Why Corporate America Is Abandoning Remote Work

[larondalewis]

I perform much better at home. It’s quiet and I am not constantly being interrupted. I’m not wasting time driving to work. I think this situation depends on the employee work ethic.

[SaintOrCinema]

I’ve never wasted as much time as when I’m in the office. Breaks, coffee, constant interruptions, pointless conversations, commuting. I’m efficient and focused at home and have a clear incentive to get vital things done quickly!

[Cointelpronoun]

It's not about efficiency, it's about authority

[redherringbone]

Ordering an organization RTO mandate five days a week, but having to listen to the CEO unload her dishwasher during the morning meeting was the ultimate disrespect. I can walk and chew gum at the same time as well and not have to spend four hours commuting every day. That's why I left.

[ezioaltairac]

Clinton is the guy who both reminds the teacher that they didn’t assign homework and that some people are packing up to leave.

[wk]

The bosses miss micromanaging and the feeling of having total control of their employees

[ismaelhall]

Its all about power, control. manipulation. Companies have this way of thinking since I pay for your time, I own you". Since we lived in this internet age, I rather make less and have my own side hustles than make more working for someone else. Today's generation isn't like how our grandparents were that didn't question how things are run and submit their entire life for a corporation that doesn't care about them.

[Pilotgamersanonymous]

Bro I’ve been working in office setting for almost ten years, nobody works past 12 o’clock especially after lunch time. Very little work gets done after 2 o’clock and people are zombies by 3pm. By 5 o’clock there useless and pretty much brain dead.

[ShanaGreen]

I left Amazon in December due to RTO. There was literally a slack channel about people who objected to RTO (hundreds of thousands of people). Now Amazon is also laying off 14, 000 people so it’s hard to believe it’s not a backdoor layoff. They can’t even support everyone in the office due to space issues so the rationale is not adding up.

[iluveggtart]

“CEOs feel they are losing control of employees who are working from home” 🙄 control is the main reason

[frankoh]

I have always been working from home at different jobs since 2012. My previous job asked me to go to RTO, so I quit and semi-retired about a year ago. It was the happiest decision I have ever made.

[RK-vexp]

Work from the office is a scam. Most work can be done from home cheaply and safely. Unfortunately companies want everyone to commute.

[brackpersian]

during covid Year 2021: "We need to embrace the new norm, and working from home actually increases productivity, and our bottom line actually increases! We, the senior management supports this. This is the FUTURE OF WORK!!!! "
After Covid in Year 2025: "We need all employee back to office 5 days a week, period"

[rikachiu]

Not only am I more productive at home, I don't lose 2.5 hrs a day to commute and do literally nothing in the subway. Without consistent internet access and the fear of your expensive work laptop getting snatched, you are literally just sitting there wasting time.

[XxXenosxX]

Bosses low self esteem and lack of management skills seems to be the main reason

[TechAndWanderlust]

4:11 this guy is that annoying guy who’s gonna stop by your cubicle a couple times a day to have small talk when all you wanna do is just work and go home and enjoy your life. I’ve been in corporate for over 20 years. Work is not my life. It’s not my social life. Sure, I’ve made some friends here and there, but I’m just there to work and go home and enjoy my family and my free time.

And no, it is not a procrastination thing when it comes to working from home because personally I get up at 5 AM. I go to the gym and workout drop my kids off at school and I’m online by 8 o’clock 830. I get a lot done we’re still held accountable because they are project tracking software that we use

[pamelam.]

My employer went fully remote... They've found that employees work more when their computers are at home. They've also cut a ton of costs and they've cut back on pay, OT, etc., so it's a win for them! 🙄

[ajayslives]

My coworkers are the BIGGEST distractions. At home no issues.

[jp]

its about C level empty suits flexing muscle, NOT about productivity. Sorry for the dry cleaner and cafe owner but i dont need to commute and be miserable just to keep small business running

[TinaMyles]

One lesson I've learned from millionaires is to always put your money to work, no matter how small. Even investing €200 per month can compound to tremendous wealth over decades. The key is to keep going!