A new report from Modern Health, a global workplace mental health platform, reveals that while full-time Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates remain highly polarizing, they also present a significant opportunity for companies to reassess workplace culture and the support systems provided to employees.

RTO Can Strengthen Culture and Well-Being When Designed Thoughtfully

Modern Health’s national survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. employees aged 30–65 found that RTO can succeed when paired with flexibility and strong well-being resources. According to the data:

  • 91% say RTO works when leaders prioritize work-life balance and flexibility.
  • 88% say RTO is more successful when companies provide robust mental health and support systems.

Still, 70% of employees report heightened anxiety about returning to the office. Stress levels are especially high among working parents and the “sandwich generation” — those simultaneously caring for children and aging relatives.

Despite these concerns, the report highlights several benefits when RTO is implemented intentionally:

  • 69% feel their current setup (in-office, remote, or hybrid) aligns with where they are most productive.
  • 85% say returning to the office strengthens collaboration and company culture.
  • 84% feel RTO helps reduce workplace loneliness and disconnection.
  • 81% believe employees should have a voice in shaping RTO policies.

“Employees aren’t rejecting the office — they’re rejecting approaches that lack intentional design,” said Matt Levin, CEO of Modern Health. “When organizations build flexible RTO frameworks that support people’s real needs, the result is renewed purpose, belonging, and connection.”

RTO Mandates Amplify Long-Standing Gender Inequities

The report shows that working mothers and caregivers bear the greatest burden of poorly implemented RTO policies:

  • 71% believe RTO mandates lack adequate support for mothers.
  • 74% say RTO makes it harder for working mothers to stay employed.
  • 69% agree RTO disadvantages mothers more than fathers.
  • 57% of working parents would take a pay cut rather than return full-time — rising to 64% among the sandwich generation.

Among working mothers:

  • 64% carry a greater share of household and childcare responsibilities than partners.
  • 49% report shouldering most of the mental and emotional load at home, compared to only 4% of partners.

“RTO mandates are exposing cracks in how workplaces support women,” said Dr. Jessica Watrous, Chief Clinical Officer at Modern Health. “Without intentional flexibility and well-being support, many working mothers are at risk of burnout or leaving the workforce entirely.”

The situation is similarly urgent for the sandwich generation:

  • 84% say their mental health has declined.
  • 74% have considered reducing hours or leaving their job.
  • 40% would quit or find a new job if forced into full-time office work.
  • These employees lose an average of 18 hours weekly — nearly a month per quarter — to caregiving-related distractions or missed work.

Family Mental Health: The Next Competitive Advantage in Retention

Modern Health’s report reveals that family well-being is a major but under-addressed driver of employee performance. More than three-quarters (76%) of working parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities — rising to 86% among the sandwich generation. This imbalance often contributes to stress, anxiety, and reduced productivity.

The business impact is substantial:

  • 60% of working parents say stress or burnout has caused mistakes at work.
  • Parents lose an average of 13 hours per week — more than four months per year — due to stress or children’s mental health needs.

However, the report identifies a significant opportunity for employers. Expanding mental health and well-being support to employees’ families dramatically boosts employee loyalty:

  • 85% say employers should offer family-inclusive mental health resources.
  • 90% of the sandwich generation agree.
  • Nearly 80% would feel more loyal if such benefits were provided.
  • 65% would consider switching jobs for them.
  • 74% would trade one day of PTO each month for access to family-support benefits.

“As RTO intersects with caregiving demands, employers have a powerful opportunity to redesign the employee experience,” said Alison Borland, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Modern Health. “Employees are clear: RTO can strengthen culture when built with empathy, flexibility, and meaningful support. Leaders must listen and design for the full spectrum of employee needs.”

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