Why Return-to-Office Messaging Failed as Change Management

Welcome to episode #1007 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation).

The debate over hybrid work has become one of the most emotionally charged topics in business... but few people have studied it as deeply as Peter Cappelli, the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at the Wharton School and Director of its Center for Human Resources. In his latest book, In Praise Of The Office - The Limits To Hybrid And Remote Work, co-authored with Ranya Nehmeh, Peter challenges the idea that remote work is the inevitable future of knowledge work. Drawing from decades of research and real-world case studies, he argues that while technology has allowed us to untether from our desks, it has also quietly eroded the social fabric, mentorship and serendipity that make work meaningful, and organizations effective. In this conversation, Peter dives into the paradox of productivity versus connection, exploring why human resources has become more transactional, how AI is reshaping education and engagement, and why hybrid work often brings out the worst of both worlds when poorly managed. He also unpack how the office - once dismissed as a relic of corporate control - remains a critical engine for creativity, trust and long-term career growth. From the psychology of "coffee badging" to the economics of empty buildings, this discussion examines not just where we work, but what we risk losing when we stop showing up. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:04:44.
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• Here is my conversation with Peter Cappelli.
• In Praise Of The Office - The Limits To Hybrid And Remote Work.
• Ranya Nehmeh.
• Wharton School.
• Center for Human Resources.
• Peter's other books.
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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Peter Capelli and His Work. (00:59) - The Changing Landscape of Business Education. (02:28) - The Impact of AI on Learning and Teaching. (07:02) - The Role of Human Resources in Modern Organizations. (12:04) - In Praise of the Office: A Case for Physical Workspaces. (14:53) - The Political Dynamics of Office Work. (19:55) - The Evolution of Employee Engagement and Company Culture. (24:35) - Debating the Future of Work: Office vs. Remote. (33:58) - The Data Behind Productivity and Employee Well-being. (36:42) - Rebuilding Social Connections in Hybrid Work. (38:47) - The Dilemma of Return to Office Mandates. (40:31) - Management's Role in Organizational Change. (44:39) - The Importance of Anchor Days. (48:37) - Cultural Dynamics in the Workplace. (52:29) - The Challenge of New Hires. (56:25) - The Disconnect in Remote Work Practices.