Key facts from the Enhancv survey
- Survey sample
- 1,000 full-time US workers subject to new or stricter RTO policies in the last 12 months
- Workers suspecting stealth layoffs
- 72%
- Workers admitting to 'coffee badging'
- 46%
- Workers who negotiated an RTO exception
- 27.8%
- Workers applying for jobs from office
- 36%
- Workers reducing output as protest
- 32%
Background
A new report from Enhancv, based on a survey of 1,000 full-time workers in the United States who have faced new or stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies in the last 12 months, describes what it calls 'a new era of workplace sabotage.' The study found widespread distrust of corporate motives behind RTO mandates.
According to the report, nearly three-quarters (72%) of workers suspect RTO is a way to bring in stealth layoffs through attrition of employees unwilling to compromise on their working arrangements. Nearly half (46%) admitted to 'coffee badging'—swiping in and leaving early—a tactic that has become standard among employees who suspect a hidden corporate agenda.
Enhancv noted that 'rather than fostering collaboration, strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates have given rise to The Great Compliance—a phenomenon where workers show up physically to satisfy badge-trackers while mentally and strategically checking out.'
Current situation
The survey found that over a quarter (27.8%) of interviewed employees had successfully negotiated a personal exception to RTO policies, creating what the report describes as a visible two-tier workforce. Those without such leverage may feel left out or unfairly targeted.
Younger workers reported the lowest trust in corporate motives. Gen Z (ages 18–24) and younger Millennials had average trust scores nearly 20 points lower than their Boomer counterparts, challenging the claim that RTO mandates are vital to training the next generation of workers.
One survey respondent said: 'The idea that we need to be present is asinine. Many come in just to socialize and then go home. No more work is getting done here than at home.'
| Response | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Suspect RTO as stealth layoffs | 72% |
| Admit to 'coffee badging' | 46% |
| Applied for a new job from office | 36% |
| Started a side hustle since RTO | 36% |
| Reduced daily output as protest | 32% |
| Negotiated an RTO exception | 27.8% |
Impacts
The report suggests that by forcing a physical presence that younger workers view as performative, companies may be solving a short-term real estate problem while creating a long-term retention crisis with the very talent they claim to be developing.
Over one in three employees are now using their time at the office to apply for new jobs or build side hustles as a financial safety net. Specifically, 36% said they had applied for a new job while sitting at their current office desk, and 36% had started a side hustle since an RTO mandate was announced, seeking 'extra security' in an environment they no longer trust.
Additionally, 32% admitted to intentionally reducing their daily output as a form of quiet protest. The report concludes: 'The irony for leadership is clear: the very desks they fought to fill are now being used as staging grounds for the Great Exit.'
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If RTO mandates remain strict and trust continues to erode, the report suggests companies could face higher turnover, especially among younger employees who already show the lowest trust in corporate motives. This may lead to a 'long-term retention crisis' as described by Enhancv.
Alternatively, if employers respond to the visible two-tier workforce by offering more flexibility or negotiating individual exceptions, they could mitigate some of the backlash. However, the survey indicates that many workers are already taking proactive steps—such as job hunting and side hustles—that could accelerate exits regardless of policy changes.
The future remains uncertain. Whether the 'Great Exit' materializes depends on how companies balance their real estate needs with employee trust, and whether younger workers see meaningful change in RTO policies.
Source: techradar.com
खबर को बेहतर समझें
आंकड़े, तुलना और घटनाक्रम—एक ही जगह, बिना अनुमान के
Employee responses to RTO mandates
Negotiated an RTO exception27.8
सटीक आंकड़े देखें
| श्रेणी | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Suspect RTO as stealth layoffs | 72 |
| Admit to 'coffee badging' | 46 |
| Applied for a new job from office | 36 |
| Started a side hustle since RTO | 36 |
| Reduced daily output as protest | 32 |
| Negotiated an RTO exception | 27.8 |
स्रोत:techradar.com स्रोत-समर्थित
