RTO Rivalry: Verizon Targets AT&T Talent
Plus, Brian Elliott's new "Work Forward" newsletter for research-backed strategies on workplace flexibility
👋 Happy Tuesday! According to Skedda’s State of Modern Workplace 2025 report, 83% of recruiters believe remote work has improved the quality of job applicants they attract while organizations offering flexible work see dramatically better talent retention (only 15% report retention difficulties compared to 45% at companies with mandatory on-site work).
In this week’s edition:
☎️ Telecom RTO Wars
📊 Financial Services Flexibility
🗞️ Work Forward Newsletter
Current Subscribers: 8,243
Please forward to colleagues and friends! Link to subscribe.
THIS WEEK’S FLEX FOCUS 🔍
Verizon Capitalizes on AT&T’s RTO Policy
In a strategic talent acquisition move, Verizon is actively targeting AT&T employees disgruntled by their employer's mandatory five-day in-office policy. Through direct recruiting emails, Verizon is explicitly positioning itself as the flexible alternative, highlighting its hybrid and remote work opportunities amid "changing RTO policies across the industry."
This tactical poaching attempt comes as AT&T stumbles through implementation challenges of its full-time return mandate, with employees reporting practical issues like insufficient desk space and parking shortages. While AT&T maintains that employees "always have a choice" about where they work, Verizon's approach demonstrates how workplace flexibility has become a competitive advantage in the talent wars.
This calculated move by Verizon transforms the longstanding telecom rivalry into a contest over workplace culture, potentially reshaping how these industry giants compete for talent in a post-pandemic landscape.
FLEX WORK QUICK HITS 💥
Stay ahead of the curve with our curated roundup of the trending flexible work stories making waves right now. Here's what you need to know 👇
Entrepreneur: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon apologizes for cursing during a recent town hall but stands firm on the company’s RTO mandate.
Bloomberg Law: FDIC mandates full time office return by March 31, requiring employees to report to offices within 50mi of their homes.
Forbes: As companies implement RTO policies, workplace design should prioritize creating spaces that foster meaningful face-to-face conversations rather than replicating remote work patterns.
BenefitsPro: Despite increasing RTO mandates, LiveCareer survey reveals two-thirds of workers would reject a 15% pay raise to keep working remotely, with most willing to seek new jobs if forced back full-time.
STAT OF THE WEEK 📈
Looking Back: Financial Services Flexibility Trends in 2024
Our March 2024 Flex Report showed Structured Hybrid work becoming dominant in financial services, rising to 52% adoption from 41% a year earlier. While 39% of companies (mostly smaller firms) maintained Fully Flexible policies, Full Time Office requirements dropped dramatically from 20% to just 9%.
As we enter March 2025, it will be interesting to see if Structured Hybrid continues its upward trajectory or if new workplace patterns emerge in the financial sector.
FLEXPERT INSIGHTS 🧠
Work Forward: Better Workplaces for People and Performance
Need fresh solutions for today's workplace challenges? Brian Elliott’s new Work Forward newsletter delivers research-backed strategies for organizations where both people and performance thrive.
Tackling the issues leaders face daily—from contentious return-to-office mandates to the executive-employee trust gap—Brian provides actionable insights from companies getting it right. The companion website, theworkforward.com, features case studies from Airbnb to Zillow, upcoming speaking events, and resources on workplace flexibility and leadership.
Subscribe to this free newsletter and join a community rethinking how work can work better for everyone.
FLEX PERSPECTIVES 🎙️
ICYMI: The Queenagers’ Role in Championing Flexibility | Julia Hobsbawm
In this episode of Flex Perspectives, Rob Sadow sat down with Julia Hobsbawm, an acclaimed award-winning speaker, consultant, and distinguished Bloomberg columnist renowned for her comprehensive insights into the future of work.
Check out the full episode to learn:
The dynamic evolution of work from the post-World War II era to our present climate of enhanced flexibility.
The pivotal role that Queenagers played in shaping women's empowerment in the workplace.
The driving force behind the remarkable surge in women's workforce participation and strategies that organizations can embrace to both attract and retain Queenagers.
Also available on Apple Podcasts.
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT ✨
Gap Inc. is a renowned American retailing company, founded in 1969, specializing in clothing, accessories, and personal care products under brands such as Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix. Their mission is to promote equality, diversity, and sustainability in their operations, while their vision is to extensively cultivate inclusivity and establish Gap as a global leader in the sector.
ONE MORE THING 1️⃣
Add your company to Flex Index
Learn about Office Benchmarks
Share this newsletter with friends and colleagues
FLEX INDEX | OFFICE BENCHMARKS
Office Benchmarks offers powerful insights into your office footprint, space design, and usage compared to peers with similar policies. Maximize your workplace potential and make confident, informed investments.