Is it time to ditch return-to-office mandates?

An illustration of a man sitting at a desk looking at a picture of the beach. (Credit: Malte Mueller—Getty Images)

Once buzzing with staff zipping in and out of their doors, dark clouds are now gathering over office buildings across the globe.

Bosses want their employees back at their desks—making the most of the massive investments companies have made in commercial real estate, while employees want to hold onto their newfound freedom.