'A new era of workplace sabotage': Employees really aren't happy with being forced back to the office - and many are starting to fight back
Return-to-office mandates are killing workplace trust
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/techradar-pro · TechRadarNews By TechRadar Pro Published 4 August 2026
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- Workers are rebelling against RTO mandates more than ever
- Enhancv report find many employees see RTO as a path towards layoffs
- Younger workers are most at risk, many saying they feel unfairly targeted
New research has claimed that "a new era of workplace sabotage" is seeing workers fight back against unfair policies, particularly when it comes to return to office (RTO) mandates.
The report from Enhancv found nearly three-quarters (72%) of workers suspect RTO as being a way to bring in stealth layoffs via attrition of those employees unwilling to compromise on their working arrangements.
Nearly half (46%) of workers also admitted to "coffee badging" (swiping in and leaving early), a tactic which has become standard among those employees who suspect a hidden corporate agenda.
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"The Great Compliance"
"Rather than fostering collaboration, strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates have given rise to The Great Compliance—a phenomenon where workers show up physically to satisfy badge-trackers while mentally and strategically checking out," Enhancv noted.
Its study, which surveyed 1,000 full-time workers across the United States who have been subject to new or stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies within the last 12 months, found a major deficit in trust among employees, especially as AI-related job cuts continue to hit the headlines.
And while RTOs may often be explained as getting a workforce back under one set of policies and rules, the simple truth is that some workers simply won't be able to comply - whether it be for family reasons, or just the fact they moved elsewhere during the past few years.
Enhancv found over a quarter (27.8%) of interviewed employees had been able to successfully negotiate a personal exception to RTO policies - creating a visible two-tier workforce, with those without any leverage may feel left out or unfairly targeted.
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