In Case You Haven't Heard…

When full‐time, return‐to‐office (RTO) is implemented thoughtfully and backed by a flexible, supportive framework, employees overwhelmingly agree that it can work, says a new report from Modern Health, a leading global workplace mental health platform. In a national survey of 1,000 full‐time U.S. employees aged 30–65, 91% said RTO succeeds when leaders prioritize work‐life balance and flexibility, and 88% said it's more successful when companies provide strong support systems, including mental health resources. Still, the findings highlight that the transition can bring challenges. Seventy percent of employees reported feeling heightened anxiety about the shift, with stress levels particularly high among working parents and those caring for both children and aging relatives — the “sandwich generation.” These groups report greater strain and a need for additional support to make RTO sustainable and effective. “When organizations implement a RTO culture and framework that responds to employees' needs, including flexibility and proper support, it can actually reignite a sense of purpose, belonging, and connection,” Matt Levin, CEO of Modern Health, said in a news release. “The difference between stress and success in RTO comes down to how people are supported in their workplace settings.”