The RTO (return to office) mandates are all around us. Most big tech companies are implementing more stringent rules for remote and hybrid work models. Amazon updated their return to office plans in early 2023 with at least three days a week in the office. Google updated its hybrid three-day-a-week office policy to include badge tracking in the summer of 2023. Meta updated their policies to include three days a week in the office in September 2023. Apple is also cracking down on its three days a week in the office requirements. Microsoft demands that schedules of more than 50% remote work must be approved by managers.

All this news makes one think: How would Stoic philosophers handle the return to the office?

Since Stoicism is a philosophy of personal ethics informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world, it is safe to assume that they would lead with reason and the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. These virtues can provide a profound framework for understanding and navigating the return to office scenario.

Stoicism also teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. The philosophy asserts that virtue is the only good and that the only thing truly within our control is our own responses and judgments. Thus, a Stoic’s approach to returning to the office would be grounded not in the external circumstances themselves but in the personal attitudes and choices regarding those circumstances.

Let’s start with the four cardinal virtues.

Wisdom

This involves practical wisdom or prudence in dealing with everyday situations. A Stoic, applying wisdom to the RTO policy, would carefully consider the rationale behind the decision, evaluating its merits and drawbacks rationally and objectively. They would seek information about safety measures, vaccination rates, and other relevant factors that could impact their safety and the safety of others. Wisdom would also involve recognizing what is and isn’t within one’s control — for instance, the decision to mandate RTO might be beyond one’s control, but one’s attitude and preparations for it are not.

“Consider what is within your control. The decision to mandate RTO might be beyond your control, but your attitude and preparations for it are not.”

Wisdom requires us to look beyond our immediate preferences and consider the broader implications of our actions. While working from home may offer individual benefits like increased productivity for some, better work-life balance, and saved commute time, the decision to RTO should be viewed through a wider lens.

Wisdom suggests evaluating the collective benefit of returning to the office, such as enhanced team collaboration, direct mentorship, and a reinforced sense of community. It’s about understanding that certain dynamics, like spontaneous brainstorming sessions and in-person networking, are hard to replicate remotely.

Furthermore, wisdom involves recognizing that while some thrive in a remote environment, others may struggle, and a collective return can foster a more inclusive and supportive work culture. This would be especially true for those entering the workforce who would benefit from daily interaction with their more experienced colleagues to speed up learning and improve their career prospects.

Courage

This virtue is about facing challenges with bravery and endurance. In the context of RTO, courage would mean bravely accepting the new normal, even if it involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone after a prolonged period of remote work. It would also mean having the courage to voice legitimate concerns or suggestions about the RTO process to management in a constructive manner.

“Embracing change and stepping out of one’s comfort zone requires courage.”

Embracing change and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is at the heart of this virtue. It involves facing and adapting to new routines and possibly confronting anxieties related to the pandemic. For those hesitant to RTO, courage is about weighing their fears or comforts against the potential benefits of re-engaging directly with their work environment and colleagues. It also involves the bravery to engage in open dialogues with employers about how to create a safe and productive office environment that addresses their concerns.

Justice

Justice in Stoicism relates to fairness, kindness, and good social relations. A Stoic would approach RTO with an understanding of the bigger picture — how their return impacts their work, their colleagues, and the organization’s overall functioning.

This virtue would encourage looking out for the well-being of others, respecting policies put in place for the common good, and being supportive of colleagues who might be struggling with the transition.

“Justice advocates for a sense of duty towards contributing to the welfare of the larger community, in this case, one’s workplace.”

Justice focuses on the greater good. While working from home might seem advantageous on a personal level, returning to the office can play a significant role in ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees, such as those who may not have a conducive environment for remote work or who rely heavily on in-person interactions for their professional development.

Justice, in the Stoic sense, advocates for a sense of duty towards contributing to the welfare of the larger community, which, in this case, extends to one’s workplace.

Temperance

This virtue is about self-control and moderation. In returning to the office, temperance would manifest as balancing one’s own needs with the expectations of the workplace. It involves managing personal anxieties or frustrations about RTO and not letting these feelings disrupt professional responsibilities or workplace harmony.

“For those who prefer working from home, temperance would mean acknowledging and respecting the organization’s decision while seeking a balanced approach through a hybrid model.”

It would be a typical “disagree and commit” scenario when one voices their concerns but ultimately accepts the decision and makes the most of it. Endless complaining about it or sabotaging the decision would make life miserable for both the person and their colleagues.

For those who prefer working from home, temperance would mean acknowledging and respecting the organization’s decision while seeking a balanced approach, perhaps through a hybrid model if possible. It involves the moderation of one’s desires and conveniences in favor of a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Navigating Challenges with Stoic Resilience

The Stoic philosophy suggests that challenges are opportunities for growth. The pandemic and subsequent changes, including RTO, are seen not as misfortunes but as occasions to practice virtues. This perspective encourages resilience and adaptability.

What would be the practical steps you can take as a Stoic when required to return to the office?

• Regular Reflection: Engaging in regular self-reflection to align one’s thoughts and actions with the Stoic virtues.
• Focus on What Can Be Controlled: Concentrating on personal actions, reactions, and attitudes rather than external events.
• Constructive Communication: Openly and constructively communicating with employers and colleagues about any concerns or suggestions regarding RTO as the decision is being made.
• Embracing Change as Natural: Accepting change as a part of nature’s course and adapting accordingly.

How Stoicism Helps With Navigating RTO Mandates

A Stoic’s response to the return to office policy would be characterized by a balanced and thoughtful approach guided by the four cardinal virtues. By focusing on what is within their control, practicing wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, a Stoic can navigate the RTO scenario with resilience and equanimity.

In addressing those reluctant to follow the RTO mandate, these virtues collectively provide a framework for understanding and empathizing with their concerns while highlighting the importance of considering the collective needs and benefits.

In advocating for adherence to the mandate to return to the office (RTO), the four Stoic cardinal virtues offer a robust framework for understanding and justifying this course of action while also addressing the concerns of those who feel more productive at home, enjoy a better work-life balance, and save time on commuting.

This approach does not just benefit the individual but also contributes to a more harmonious and productive workplace.

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Photo: Generated with ChatGPT/Dall-E