Bosses admit they’re using return-to-office mandates to trim down teams—without needing to announce layoffs

Core Insights - Companies are increasingly implementing return-to-office (RTO) mandates as a strategy to manage workforce levels without resorting to layoffs, as indicated by feedback from business leaders to the Federal Reserve Beige Book [1][2] - The Fed Beige Book report highlights that several districts are promoting attrition through RTO policies, reflecting a broader trend in corporate America [2] - A survey of 849 managers reveals that 30% of companies plan to require in-office work five days a week by year-end, influenced by corporate shifts and new regulations [3] Company Actions - Microsoft has mandated that employees return to the office three days a week, emphasizing that this decision is not aimed at reducing headcount but rather at enhancing collaboration to meet customer needs [4] - Despite these mandates, a significant portion of the workforce is resistant to returning to the office, with nearly half indicating they would be unlikely to stay if remote work options were eliminated [4] Job Market Dynamics - The job market for white-collar positions appears stagnant, with non-degree holders in hospitality experiencing greater wage growth compared to office workers, driven by increased demand for in-person job experiences post-pandemic [5]