Office mandates are not the answer, research suggests

A significant shift is occurring in Norwegian workplaces, with a rising number of leaders advocating for reduced remote work. A recent NHO survey reveals that 40% of managers now wish their employees would work less from home, a sharp increase from the 18% who felt the same two years prior. This sentiment is reflected in major banks like DNB and Nordea, which are considering cutting fixed home office days starting in October.

Leaders point to genuine challenges associated with extensive remote work, such as the potential weakening of personal networks, erosion of work culture, and feelings of loneliness among employees. These issues are acknowledged by research, which confirms the reality of these problems. However, the article argues that blanket office mandates are not the optimal solution.

Research, including a large randomized controlled trial published in Nature by Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, suggests that hybrid work models can be highly effective. The study followed 1,600 knowledge workers, finding that a hybrid group with two home days per week experienced a third less turnover and higher well-being. Performance and promotion rates were similar across groups after two years. Another study from the University of Pittsburgh on 137 large U.S. companies found no measurable improvement in profitability or market value from office mandates, alongside a significant drop in employee satisfaction.

While the trend leans towards increased office presence, full-time office weeks remain rare in Norway. A 2026 SINTEF study of 68 businesses found that hybrid work is still the dominant model. The study also highlighted that businesses allowing decisions on office presence to be made closer to the employees, such as by departments or teams, often have more people physically in the office than those with strict rules. This suggests that clear expectations and trust may be as effective as mandates in encouraging office attendance.

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