Open Letter to CEOs

Dear CEO,

As someone who has spent over 30 years in the IT industry, I’ve witnessed the evolution of technology and workplace dynamics from mainframes to cloud computing and beyond. Having been part of this journey, I feel compelled to address a critical issue—Return to Office (RTO) mandates. Forcing technical staff back into the office is a step backward, one that risks stifling creativity, diminishing productivity, and alienating the very people who keep your organization running smoothly.

In my three decades in the field, I’ve seen firsthand how blanket policies, like RTO, often miss the mark when applied to technical professionals. Engineers, developers, and IT specialists thrive in environments that foster autonomy, deep focus, and flexibility—qualities that are often undermined in a traditional office setting.

The Shifting Nature of Collaboration

Back in the early days, collaboration meant being physically present, sitting in meetings, and hashing things out face-to-face. But that was a different time. Today’s technical staff don’t need to be in the same room to collaborate effectively. The tools we have—whether it’s real-time communication platforms, cloud-based development environments, or version control systems—have made remote collaboration seamless.

The idea that returning to the office fosters better collaboration doesn’t hold up in practice. In fact, I’ve seen how remote work has enhanced the focus required for highly technical work. Office environments can be rife with distractions, from unnecessary meetings to casual interruptions that break concentration. The kind of work engineers and developers do requires blocks of uninterrupted time—something remote work provides far better than a bustling office.

Creativity Thrives in Flexible Environments

Creativity in the technical field doesn’t emerge on command—it requires space, time, and, most importantly, flexibility. Early in my career, creativity was often constrained by rigid structures and micromanagement. It wasn’t until later that the industry began to embrace the idea that people do their best work when given the freedom to choose how and where they work.

For your technical staff, this flexibility is vital. Remote work allows them to create environments that cater to their personal preferences, whether that’s a quiet home office, a shared coworking space, or somewhere entirely different. Forcing them back into the office stifles this autonomy and, by extension, their creativity. The old model of “creativity happens in a cubicle” simply doesn’t apply to today’s workforce.

The Competitive Talent Market

Over the last 30 years, the power balance in the job market has shifted. Talented IT professionals—developers, engineers, and system architects—now have more choices than ever before. In the early days, it was common for companies to dictate terms, including location. Today, those days are over.

Talented individuals know their worth, and many will not hesitate to seek out employers who offer flexibility in their working arrangements. Forcing a return to the office not only risks lowering morale but also makes it harder to retain and attract top talent. Remote work has become an expectation for many technical professionals, and companies that offer it will have a significant advantage in attracting the best in the industry.

Productivity Isn’t About Being Watched

In the past, managers measured productivity by how long someone was sitting at their desk. But after three decades in IT, I’ve learned that productivity isn’t about presence—it’s about results. Some of the most effective technical staff I’ve worked with weren’t the ones you’d see first thing in the office or last to leave; they were the ones who consistently delivered excellent work, no matter where they were located.

Remote work has enabled organizations to focus more on results and less on attendance. Trusting your technical staff to manage their own time and deliver on their commitments not only improves morale but also leads to better outcomes. Forcing employees back into the office under the assumption that physical presence equals productivity is a relic of the past.

The Environmental and Social Benefits of Remote Work

During my career, I’ve seen the toll commuting takes on people’s time, health, and well-being. Remote work has alleviated much of that burden, allowing employees to reclaim hours spent in traffic and redirect them towards more productive and meaningful activities.

Not only does this boost employee morale, but it also has significant environmental benefits. Reducing commuting helps lower carbon emissions, which is increasingly important in today’s world. Additionally, remote work fosters better work-life balance, reducing burnout and increasing long-term productivity.

The Path Forward

As a 30-year veteran in the IT industry, I urge you to reconsider the push for RTO. Your technical staff have demonstrated their ability to work effectively and efficiently from anywhere. They don’t need to be in the office to deliver great results, and by insisting on a return, you risk undoing the progress made over the past few years.

Instead of mandating a full-time return, consider hybrid or flexible working models that allow technical staff to choose the environment that suits them best. Trust them to manage their time and resources, and you’ll continue to see the benefits in productivity, creativity, and retention.

The future of work is about flexibility and trust. The companies that succeed in this new landscape will be those that embrace these values and empower their employees to do their best work, no matter where they are.

Sincerely,
John Ellis Coffey

30-Year IT Veteran & Open Source Advocate