Return to office: expert on in-person office mandates
Rear view of Six Business People Walking up the Stairs. Men and women in formal suits going up stairs into office building. Partnership, communication business people concept.
Hamilton, ON, Aug. 25, 2025–As more organizations reinstate four and five-day in-office work policies, questions are emerging about the rationale behind these decisions and their potential consequences.
Erin Reid, Professor of Human Resources & Management is available to comment on these policies, including:
- Why two to three days in-office may be optimal for productivity, retention, and employee well-being in white-collar roles
- The lack of evidence supporting improved productivity with full-time in-office policies
- How rigid mandates may exacerbate inequities, particularly for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those with long commutes
- What employers should consider when designing flexible, evidence-informed workplace policies
“Even when you set aside well-being and retention, the data simply doesn’t support the idea that five days in-office leads to better performance,” she says.
She can be reached at reidem@mcmaster.ca
Expert Advisories