Gartner's distinguished VP analyst, Mary Mesaglio, discusses the risks of strict return-to-office mandates and whether they are worth implementing.
Harming high-performers
"74% of HR leaders cite these mandates as a source of conflict for employees and management, which isn't great because the benefits of return to office prove modest, at best. They're high-risk. When we asked employees why they quit, they cited lack of work-life balance as among the top 5 reasons," she said.
Mesaglio emphasises that high performers, women, and millennials, who often prioritise flexibility, are the most affected by these mandates. This insight is crucial for HR leaders to understand the diverse needs of their workforce.
High performers' resentment towards mandates is a crucial factor, with a 16% lower intent to stay when required to do on-site work.
Flexibility
Mesaglio underscores the importance of a personalised approach, stating that flexibility is not just a perk but a vital component of maintaining employee engagement and retention. She suggests that HR leaders take steps to ensure a more tailored approach to where and when teams work.
"In the end, a flexible approach yields the best results. Gartner recommends HR leaders co-develop policies, not mandates," Mesaglio posits.
Full video here
