Managers are speaking out in a recent report from software company BambooHR: some managers who impose office mandates think that it would increase voluntary turnover and enable them to monitor workers' activities.

Employees often wonder if mandated return-to-office policies are actually disguised layoffs, particularly when these policies are enforced after negative events like a decrease in sales or stock price.

Currently, a recent survey indicates that they might be correct—at least occasionally. A report from BambooHR found that after implementing a Return to Office plan, about 18% of HR professionals expected some employees to leave voluntarily. Additionally, about 37% of surveyed managers believed their company had to lay off employees because fewer than expected chose to leave due to the directive.

Over 1500 full-time salaried desk professionals were surveyed for the report. About 500 of them were HR managers, and just over 1000 held managerial positions. 32% of managers said they monitor workers' habits to enforce office rules. 42% of respondents think they are being watched by their supervisors and managers at the office.

64% of remote workers in the poll try to maintain a consistent online presence, known as the "green status effect." It talks about employees pretending to be online even when they're not by using their Teams or Slack icons.

BambooHR takes into consideration office and hybrid work policies based on federal and state regulations. Focus on values like community at the federal level and adapt work modes at the team level. Sales teams with entry-level employees work mainly in the office, while remote hires continue working remotely. Tech teams meet in person two days a week and work remotely the rest of the days.

Large corporations like Walmart and AT&T are raising expectations for office work, often requiring relocation. Walmart recently asked remote workers to move to certain locations and cut corporate positions. AT&T's decision to reduce office space and have managers come to the office three days a week was expected to affect manager retention.

According to the latest data from Flex Index, about 37% of companies have a policy allowing a mix of office and remote work, and another 31% require employees to work in the office full-time. The remaining 32% give workers the option of choosing when to visit the workplace or are completely remote.