Performance Theater: The Hidden Cost of Return-to-Office Mandates

Return-to-office mandates were widely implemented with the expectation that requiring employees to work on-site would lead to increased productivity and a more cohesive work environment. However, in many cases, these policies resulted in performance theater—where employees focus more on appearing busy or being seen by management rather than actually achieving meaningful results. This shift often overlooked the true value of autonomy, flexibility, and trust that many employees appreciate. As a consequence, some top talent may consider leaving organizations if they feel their need for independence is not being respected, especially as the labor market continues to evolve and become more competitive for skilled workers. We discuss.