Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many organizations to shift to remote work, leading to gains in employee well-being, productivity, and flexibility. However, as vaccination rates increased and infection rates declined, some companies have implemented partial or full return-to-office (RTO) mandates, which have been met with resistance from employees and may negatively impact job satisfaction. This article explores research on the relationship between the work environment and employee attitudes, highlighting how flexibility and autonomy during remote work contributed to increased job satisfaction. It examines case studies from the technology, accounting, and education industries, demonstrating how RTO mandates have undermined these recent gains, potentially threatening innovation, morale, and retention. The article suggests that a balanced approach, treating remote and in-person work as flexible options based on role and employee preference, can help organizations maintain or improve upon job satisfaction while addressing operational needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices