A recent study suggests that the push for full-time office return may stem from leaders’ desire for power and status rather than productivity. Researchers from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania found that leaders with stronger narcissistic traits tend to resist remote work.
The study analyzed public company reports, CEO personality surveys, and conducted online experiments to explore the relationship between leaders’ resistance to remote work and their craving for power and status. The findings revealed that leaders with narcissistic tendencies were more likely to oppose remote work arrangements.
According to the researchers, narcissistic leaders prefer in-person work as it allows them more control and opportunities for attention and affirmation from employees. Remote work limits their ability to exercise control, such as managing through informal interactions or issuing direct commands in person.
Labour markets expert Sylvia Fuller emphasized that leaders may have personal motivations for pushing employees back to the office, beyond organizational benefits. Statistics Canada data showed a rise in labor productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work increased, casting doubt on the necessity of full-time office returns.
HR consultant Cissy Pau noted that employers value in-office collaboration and connectivity, citing challenges in communication and community-building in a remote work setup. She highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions for fostering relationships and a sense of belonging among employees.