8 in 10 Indians Welcome Return to Office, Yet Half Report Burnout
The post-pandemic shift in India’s work culture is now clear—employees are heading back to offices. A new HR report shows 80% of Indian professionals support Return to Office (RTO) policies, favoring hybrid or full-time in-office work. However, 50% admit to burnout, struggling with commutes, workload, and readjustment.
Why Are Employees Returning to Offices?
Over the past year, companies in IT, banking, and manufacturing have rolled back remote work, citing better collaboration, productivity, and company culture. According to the report:
- 80% of employees are satisfied or neutral about RTO.
- Many miss face-to-face interactions, mentorship, and work-home separation.
“WFH was convenient, but the office brings back teamwork and spontaneity,” says Priya Menon, a Bengaluru marketing executive.
The Hidden Cost: Rising Employee Burnout
Despite the enthusiasm, half of employees report burnout, driven by:
- Longer commutes – Metro workers spend 2-3 hours daily battling traffic.
- Increased workloads – Hiring slowdowns mean more responsibilities per employee.
- Work-life imbalance – Rigid schedules strain working parents and caregivers.
“Switching from WFH to RTO has been exhausting,” shares Rohan Desai, a Pune software engineer.
How Employers Are Responding
Companies are testing solutions to ease the transition:
✅ Flexible hours – Adjustable schedules for better work-life balance.
✅ Mental health support – Counseling, wellness programs, and stress workshops.
✅ Hybrid models – Mixing office and remote days.
Workers are asking for more—childcare facilities, ergonomic setups, and commute allowances—to make RTO sustainable.
The Future of Work in India
The report highlights a critical need: employees want offices but demand well-being support. Burnout isn’t just personal—it’s a productivity and retention crisis.
The solution? A smart hybrid model that balances efficiency and employee health.
Are you back in the office? How’s your experience? Share below!
