The great office rebellion: Top talent retention demands employer flexibility

After years of remote work reigning supreme, the corporate world is making a hard pivot: employers are pushing for a full return to the office (RTO), both locally and globally.

But while companies may think a five-day in-person workweek is a no-brainer, this move could cost them their best people.

“Flexibility is one of the most powerful bargaining chips in talent retention,” says Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at executive search firm Jack Hammer. “Talent density—the concentration of top-performing individuals in a company—is critical for innovation, productivity, and overall success. If businesses enforce rigid office schedules, they risk driving top talent straight to more flexible competitors.”

Jack Hammer has seen a noticeable uptick in high-level candidates quietly looking for new roles at companies that embrace hybrid work.

“For many professionals, structured flexibility is non-negotiable,” Naidoo says. “It’s not just about retention; it’s about attracting the best people in the first place. Companies that cling to outdated work models are setting themselves up for a talent drain.”

The data supports this shift. Recent reports indicate that 60% of South African employers are moving away from remote work, mirroring global trends.

McKinsey research shows that the number of employees working mostly in-office shot up from 34% in 2023 to 68% last year—driven by employer mandates, not employee preference.

“Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you should,” Naidoo warns. “Companies that prioritize flexibility will be the ones that thrive. Employees may comply with strict RTO policies at first, but as soon as a better offer comes along, they’ll be gone.”

The Early-Career Exception

While Naidoo urges companies to rethink rigid RTO policies, she has different advice for early-career professionals: embrace the office.

“For those starting out, remote work might seem like a dream, but it can actually stunt career growth,” she explains. “Being in the office allows for real-time feedback, hands-on training, and a deeper understanding of workplace culture. It’s where you learn the nuances of professional behavior, how to network, and how to navigate office dynamics—things that aren’t taught in a Zoom meeting.”

Naidoo also highlights the importance of visibility. “If you’re working remotely while your peers are in-office, they’ll be the ones forming relationships, getting noticed, and advancing faster. Ambitious professionals understand that success isn’t just about performance; it’s about being seen.”

She recommends that employees spend at least the first three to six months in-office. “Establish yourself, build relationships, and prove your value. Once you’ve laid the foundation, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate flexible options that work for you.”

As companies double down on office mandates, they need to ask themselves: are they strengthening their workforce or pushing their best talent away! 

In the battle for top performers, the companies that offer choice—not ultimatums—will come out on top.