Return-to-office (RTO) mandates are back in full swing. Industry leaders like Amazon, AT&T and JPMorgan Chase are championing five-day office policies, aiming to strengthen culture, improve collaboration and encourage mentorship.
UNLEASH sat down with Cognexo's CEO Dan Buckley to discuss the role of tech in making RTO work. While benefits of in-person work are well-understood, HR teams face challenging realities: navigating a minefield of talent and tech hurdles. For employees, RTO mandates can feel like a loss of autonomy — leading to burnout, resentment and a push to explore new opportunities.
It's not just about enforcing policies — it's about investing in platforms that actively boost employee engagement and retention. Tools like real-time feedback systems, mental health resources and AI-driven workforce insights have gone from optional to essential, helping organisations counter disengagement and attrition tied to rigid mandates. Ultimately, a successful RTO isn't just about getting people back to their desks — it's about creating a workplace that respects employees' needs while achieving business goals.
