The debate over return-to-office (RTO) policies versus remote-first models is heating up, with major companies staking their claims on both sides. Financial giants like JPMorgan are mandating a full five-day return to the office, while others, such as Spotify, remain steadfast in their commitment to “work from anywhere” policies. For many leaders, however, the issue is far from black and white.
As someone who has spent over 30 years in traditional office settings, I found myself deeply conflicted when I took the helm as CEO of GrowthLoop, a company that was already remote-first. My career has been shaped by the serendipitous interactions and vibrant cultures that physical offices foster, but stepping into a leadership role in a fully remote environment revealed undeniable benefits I hadn’t previously experienced.
