GoKawiilNew research from SkyeTeam suggests that employees working in person may feel more disconnected than their remote colleagues. People often see the return-to-office debate in black-and-white: In-person work fosters connection, while remote work breaks it down. In 2025, 37% of companies required office attendance, up from 17% the year before. Companies like Amazon, JPMorgan, and AT&T have all issued similar mandates. The idea is simple: Bring people back to the office, and connection and engagement will follow.
The office doesn’t fix loneliness at work
Why This Matters
This research challenges the conventional wisdom that returning to the office automatically enhances employee connection, highlighting that in-person work may sometimes increase feelings of disconnection. For the tech industry and employers, it underscores the importance of reevaluating workplace strategies to foster genuine engagement, regardless of location. As remote work becomes more prevalent, understanding its impact on employee well-being is crucial for building effective, supportive work environments.
Key Takeaways
- In-person work may increase feelings of disconnection among employees.
- Rising return-to-office mandates do not necessarily improve engagement.
- Companies should consider new strategies to foster genuine connection beyond physical presence.
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