Major Companies Expand Return-to-Office Mandates Across US Cities

In 2025, a growing number of major companies including Amazon, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and 3M are enforcing stricter return-to-office (RTO) mandates, with many abandoning hybrid models to require employees to work primarily onsite, aiming to boost productivity, collaboration, and company culture. Studies reveal that 81% of employers distrust remote work productivity, driving RTO policies, though many employees view these mandates as motivated by employer control rather than actual performance measurement. The productivity benefits cited include a reported increase of 7.6 additional working hours per week and improvements in innovation and engagement, yet communication about RTO policies remains insufficient, with only 36% of employees feeling adequately informed. Office foot traffic data shows a rebound in visits nationwide, rising 8.3% year-over-year in June 2025, though attendance remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels; cities like Miami and New York are leading the return trend. However, the RTO push has highlighted a gender disparity, as men are returning to offices more frequently than women, potentially disadvantaging women’s career advancement due to perceived in-person presence being favored for promotions and raises. This trend may also reduce workforce diversity amid companies scaling back on diversity initiatives and adjusting post-pandemic workforces.