Big companies enforcing RTO mandates may drive workers into the arms of startups and small businesses

Wed, 02/14/2024 - 07:38

A millennial man working from home with his dog — Startups and small businesses are more likely to offer remote work options.
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RTO mandates could drive workers to startups and small businesses.
These businesses may favor remote work to avoid expensive office leases.
Some research shows that RTO mandates can hurt employee morale.

Disgruntled workers who are forced to come back to the office by major companies, could present an opportunity for startups and small businesses to scoop up talent.

Dan Schawbel, a future-of-work expert and managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, told Business Insider that employees at big companies with return-to-office mandates might find more flexible working options at smaller firms.

Startups and small businesses may not want to take on the burden of expensive office leases, and therefore, give workers more flexibility to work from home, he said.