Workers Leave Companies with Rigid Office Attendance Rules, Research Shows

A growing number of workers are leaving companies that impose strict office attendance policies, according to new research. Recruiters have reported a notable increase in job applications from employees at firms mandating full-time office attendance, with two-thirds of those surveyed observing this shift.

The findings, from a study commissioned by flexible workspace provider IWG, highlight a growing dissatisfaction with rigid office policies in the current job market. Three-quarters of recruiters said that candidates now regularly turn down roles that do not offer hybrid working options, while 72% believe businesses without flexible work policies are struggling to attract top talent.

This shift in worker preferences follows a series of major employers enforcing stricter remote working mandates. Companies such as Amazon, Asda, PwC, and Santander have implemented full-time office attendance policies. Amazon, for example, has ordered employees to return to the office starting in January, while Starling Bank has required hybrid staff to spend at least 10 days per month in the office, resulting in resignations from disgruntled employees.

Employees in roles requiring five-day office attendance have expressed frustration. Separate research from IWG revealed that 36% of these workers believe their employers risk losing top talent due to the inflexible policies. Nearly half (46%) are actively seeking new jobs that offer flexibility, particularly to avoid long commutes.

Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, emphasized the advantages of hybrid working, saying, “The hybrid model boosts workforce productivity and job satisfaction while also cutting costs significantly. Flexible working is proven to enhance employee retention and competitiveness in the job market.”

The backlash against strict office mandates comes as economists, including Stanford University’s Nicholas Bloom, warn that such policies could ultimately backfire. Bloom predicts that a significant exodus of talent could force companies to reconsider and relax their return-to-office rules in the near future.

As businesses continue to navigate the shift in workforce expectations, many are facing increased pressure to adapt to the growing demand for flexible working arrangements. With job seekers increasingly prioritizing flexibility, companies that resist these changes may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining top talent.