Why the ‘Return-to-Work Productivity Argument’ is a Weak Argument

LEADERSHIP Series

In the post-pandemic world, the debate around remote work versus in-office work has taken center stage. With many companies calling employees back to the office, the productivity argument often leads the charge. They claim that returning to the office is essential for maintaining, or even boosting, productivity levels. However, this argument is not as strong as it appears. In fact, a growing body of research suggests that remote workers can be just as productive, if not more so, than their in-office counterparts. The real issue underlying the push for a return to the office seems to be less about productivity and more about trust — or rather, the lack of it — between managers and employees.

Productivity: The Evidence

First, let’s dive into the research on productivity. Several studies have explored the productivity levels of remote workers compared to those working in traditional office environments.