From Remote Work to Return-to-Office: Implications for Worker Well-Being

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Description of Research Project

This project examines the impacts of return-to-office (RTO) mandates on Candian worker well-being in a comparative international context, with a particular focus on mental health, job satisfaction, work–life balance, and perceptions of autonomy and fairness. As organizations increasingly shift away from remote and hybrid work arrangements, RTO policies have become a contested issue with potential implications for employee well-being, retention, and productivity. Despite growing public and organizational debate, empirical evidence on how these mandates affect workers remains fragmented.

The study adopts a mixed qualitative approach. First, a comprehensive literature review will synthesize existing research on remote work, hybrid work, organizational control, and employee well-being, situating RTO mandates within broader debates on flexibility, power, and workplace change. This review will identify key themes, theoretical frameworks, and gaps in the current evidence base.

Second, the project will involve semi-structured interviews with workers who have been subject to return-to-office mandates. These interviews will explore participants’ experiences of the transition back to in-person work, perceived impacts on their well-being, coping strategies, and views on organizational communication and support. The qualitative design allows for in-depth exploration of diverse experiences across roles, sectors, and personal circumstances.

All interview components of the study will be conducted following institutional ethics approval. Participation will be voluntary, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Data will be anonymized, securely stored, and handled in accordance with ethical guidelines to protect confidentiality and minimize potential risks to participants.

By combining existing scholarship with workers’ lived experiences, this project aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how return-to-office mandates shape well-being and to inform evidence-based organizational and policy decision-making.

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Undergraduate Student Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches and assist with reviewing and summarizing academic articles relevant to the project
• Support the preparation of annotated bibliographies and literature review materials
• Assist with the development of interview guides and research instruments, under supervision
• Help recruit study participants in accordance with ethics approval and approved protocols
• Schedule interviews and assist with administrative coordination
• Transcribe interview recordings and assist with data cleaning and organization
• Support qualitative data coding and analysis using approved methods and software
• Maintain accurate research records and documentation
• Assist with drafting reports, summaries, and presentations of findings
• Participate in regular research team meetings and training sessions

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Qualifications Required

Demonstrated scholarly interest and/or experience conducting research on work and labour market issues will be considered an asset.