More than a third of UK workers say just the threat of being called back to the office is hurting their wellbeing. In this episode of PeopleScope, we zoom in on the emotional, financial, and structural impact of return-to-office (RTO) mandates—and why they’re back in the spotlight.

We break down fresh data from Hays, discuss how RTO headlines are triggering anxiety (especially for women and younger workers), and unpack why hybrid working still matters—despite rising pressure from corporate leaders.

With insights from experts like Clare Kelliher, Gemma Dale, and Daniel Wheatley, this episode explores:

• Why 59% of employees say cost is a major barrier to returning

• The wellbeing gap between men and women under RTO pressures

• How RTO mandates could undermine inclusion and workforce diversity

• What HR teams should consider before enforcing office mandates

Whether you’re leading people or trying to survive the policy shifts yourself—this one’s for you.