In 2023, "coffee badging" gained traction as employees began showing up at the office for the minimum time required to earn a virtual badge, then completing their work remotely. This trend emerged as a response to companies issuing return-to-office (RTO) mandates. As company demands continue to increase in 2024, a recent report indicates that remote workers' careers may be at risk, as upper management finds it easier to lay off remote staff compared to in-office workers. A new "under-the-radar" trend, known as "shadow policies," has emerged to protect remote workers, allowing employees to work remotely despite the company's official policy requiring office presence.
Flexibility remains a key driver for employees transitioning from traditional office hours to flexible gig work, with many employees resisting enforced RTO mandates in favor of flexible positions such as job sharing and gig work. This shift towards flexibility is fueled by the desire for improved work-life balance and the increased financial burden associated with returning to the office. The costs associated with office attendance, including commute, meals, and pet care, add to the appeal of remote work. Additionally, the time spent commuting to the office is prompting a reevaluation of flexible schedules and the benefits of working from home.
The notion of employees forgoing "coffee badging" in favor of flexible work is supported by the significant increase in job sharing advertisements and the preference for setting one's schedule via gig work. Furthermore, "shadow policies" are not solely embraced by resistant employees but also by a new wave of managers seeking to retain valuable talent by allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.
Owl Labs' CEO, Frank Weishaupt, highlights the productivity and preference for remote and hybrid work based on the company's long-standing hybrid work model. Task-based work arrangements are gaining traction, with some tasks better suited for remote work, while collaboration and social interaction are favored in an office setting. This data is further supported by the findings that hybrid work formats are conducive to productivity for both employees and managers alike. It's clear that the demand for workplace flexibility is challenging traditional return-to-office mandates and redefining the modern work landscape.