Remote, Hybrid or RTO? Professor Nick Bloom on What Works Best

With 2025 racing away from us, and more and more mandated return to office (RTO) policies being enacted, the debate around the best way to work continues hotter than ever. In the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner delve into the ever-evolving world of remote, hybrid, and in-office work with Stanford University Professor of Economics, Nick Bloom. In this insight-packed conversation, Nick cuts through the noise, offering insights based on years of research spanning global geographies.

The conversation explores the nuances of hybrid work, debunking misconceptions and offering practical advice for leaders navigating this new landscape.

Nick emphasizes that the best way to work is, unsurprisingly, complicated. However, his research points to hybrid work, when implemented effectively, as the most promising solution. Why? The answer is simple: "I think the biggest factor driving the shift to hybrid work is that it's profitable. What makes money tends to stick."

Which work modality really works for people?

The conversation offers an incredible snapshot of Nick’s research, which offers a compelling case for hybrid work – and cautions against hastily made RTO mandates. Nick highlights hybrid work’s potential to improve employee well-being, boost productivity, and reduce costs. As Nick frames it: "The two most important things for hybrid work are to coordinate and be clear. Coordination is critical for deciding which days people should be in the office, and it's important to enforce those days."

He outlines that by embracing flexibility, prioritizing coordination, and focusing on performance, leaders can create a hybrid work environment that benefits both their employees and their organizations. Specifically, he advises focusing on output rather than input when it comes to performance: "You need to move to more output-based performance evaluations. Are people getting their jobs done? Are clients and coworkers happy? For many employees, this is better because they don't feel like someone is constantly breathing down their neck."

How to optimize hybrid work?

When it comes to ensuring hybrid work drives positive outcomes for individuals and the organization, guard rails and enforcement are key. This drives consistency, predictability and optimal use of time in person. As Nick shares, "A good hybrid work policy is like that old Roman saying: a good law is an enforceable law. If you have a sensible plan and you enforce it, people seem happiest."

Listen to the full episode of this topical and ‘aha’-moment-packed We Are Human Leaders podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of hybrid work – and learn how to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.