Does RTO actually work? A webinar debate with the data

What happens when you pit a return-to-office advocate against a remote work realist—and give them a dataset from 115 office spaces across three continents?

You get sparks, nuance and a whole lot of insight.

In Density’s recent webinar, “Does RTO Really Work?”, Director of Analytics & Insights Annie Cosgrove hosted a lively conversation between CEO Andrew Farah and workplace strategist Phil Kirschner. The jumping-off point: new research measuring real-world behavior before and after companies implemented RTO policies.

Among the surprises? A last-minute occupancy dip just before mandates go into effect. A 10–12% falloff in occupancy after the initial RTO “sugar rush.” 

And, perhaps most compelling, a sustained spike in real-world collaboration—measured not in vibes, but in meeting room usage.

But it wasn’t just about the data. The duo wrestled with tough questions: Should workplace leaders be more honest about trade-offs? Is trust a valid metric for RTO success? And can a chocolate smiley face on a desk build better teams than the best AI tool?

If you’re a workplace leader figuring out your company’s next move—or just trying to make sense of what’s working and what’s performative—this debate is essential watching.

🎥 Watch the full conversation now.
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