A study by researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan reveals a rise in senior employee departures at tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX post implementation of return-to-office mandates, leading to concerns about workforce stability and retention of valuable human capital.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan has revealed a marked increase in senior employee departures at major tech companies Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX following the implementation of return-to-office (RTO) mandates. Analyzing resume data from People Data Labs, the study discovered a correlation between these mandates and a decrease in employee tenure, with a notable reduction in the proportion of senior staff. Post-mandate, Microsoft saw more than a 5 percentage point drop, Apple a 4 percentage point decline, and SpaceX, which required full in-person work, a 15 percentage point drop in senior employee representation.
The study highlighted that these senior employees often transitioned to roles at direct competitors, indicating a shift of valuable human capital out of these companies. Austin Wright from the University of Chicago suggested that such mandates negatively impact workforce stability and seniority, advising business leaders to consider employee preferences and market conditions carefully.
Apple, however, contested the study’s findings. Spokesman Josh Rosenstock pointed to low attrition rates within the company, suggesting that the conclusions drawn do not accurately reflect the realities of Apple’s business situation.
This research comes at a time when overall office occupancy has stagnated around 50% of pre-pandemic levels across major U.S. metropolitan areas since early 2023, according to data tracked by Kastle Systems. The findings of this study contribute to ongoing debates about the efficacy and impact of RTO policies within the tech industry and beyond.
