Many companies face challenges as they push employees back to the office, leading to space shortages and logistical issues.

Some CEOs are just done with the whole work-from-home talk and are pushing for a return, but many offices aren’t ready for the influx. It’s like they’re saying, “Let’s just get everyone back in and figure it out later.”
Amazon even had to delay some return plans because they didn’t have enough space. AT&T workers are finding themselves working in dining areas or conference rooms because there aren’t enough desks.
And here’s the kicker: with AI changing the game, companies are unsure how much space they’ll need in the future. Some are trying to make their offices more appealing with couches and cool amenities, but now that more people are coming back, it’s getting cramped.
AT&T is working on making their spaces better, aiming for enough seating for 70-80% of employees. Amazon claims most of its workers have dedicated spaces now, but a few offices are still catching up.
With the job market being tricky for white-collar workers, many feel they have no choice but to comply with these return-to-office orders. If too many people show up, it could get crowded fast.
And if workers decide to leave because they’re unhappy with the return, it’s an easy way for companies to cut costs without making headlines for layoffs. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved.