Collaboration or Control?

It’s that word again — collaboration. Managers love to use it, but do they understand it? Lately, it's the catchphrase used to justify RTO (return to office).

I want to share my experience with RTO and this so-called collaboration.

With over 10 years working for Fortune 500 companies, I’ve seen it all.

After COVID, when we were all being corralled back to the office, I had a 1:1 with my boss. I’ve always respected him — he’s a sensible guy — but when he said this, he couldn’t even look me in the eye:

“I need you back in the office for collaboration.”

I nodded, but my thoughts were elsewhere: train fare, gas, parking, lunch, fatigue… The commute was already challenging, one hour each way.

Then he said it — four days a week. I checked out.

During this time, I was also caring for my ill parent. Every hour spent commuting felt like time stolen from what truly mattered — family and rest.

As one colleague suggested:

“Just show up, do a cameo, and leave.”

The following week, I walked into the office — exhausted from my commute. I tried to remain professional, even though I had thrown out most of my corporate attire during the pandemic. I looked for my teammates — finding one collaborator in the office, while the rest of the team worked remotely from out of state.

The office was a ghost town.

Eighty dollars later — no collaboration. Just a tired body ready to start the weekend. And honestly, I could think of better ways to spend that $80 — groceries, medicine, or even a quiet meal with my ill parent.

We survived COVID with the technology to work remotely — so why is returning to the office suddenly necessary for collaboration? How can anyone forget the relentless pings on Teams?

What’s the Deal with Collaboration?

If most of your team works in other states, how does forcing people back to the office help?

After speaking with several colleagues, it became clear: It’s not about collaboration — it’s about control.

Corporate real estate plays a major role here. Maintaining office space, utilities, and cleaning costs millions — even when most desks are empty. Forcing employees back in ensures the office is "used" and the lights stay on. Collaboration is just the excuse.

In fact, large-scale studies show that productivity at remote-friendly firms is nearly 42% higher than the industry average. And as companies move to more remote-capable roles, they see measurable productivity gains across industries. Meanwhile, 40% of the global workforce now works remotely at least part-time (Great Place to Work®, 2024; BLS, 2024; Market.biz, 2025).

After proving that remote work works, the push for RTO feels like a slap in the face.

Collaboration doesn’t magically happen when employees are forced into a building. It happens when teams are trusted, supported, and given the flexibility to work in ways that make sense.

We’ve already proven we can get the work done — and do it well — remotely.

It’s time for corporations to catch up.

Image courtesy of https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/control">Control