Utah leaders push return-to-office mandates to boost workforce flexibility

The University of Utah has updated its in‑office requirements, now mandating that most employees work on campus at least three days a week. The change follows a broader state directive urging agencies and public institutions to return to in‑person work, signaling a statewide move away from flexibility. The shift aligns with a national trend toward hybrid work models that aim to improve workforce participation and retention.

Utah leaders are making these decisions largely because the decision‑making tables are dominated by men, who often have different lived experiences than women. Research from the McKinsey & Lean In “Women in the Workplace” report shows that when women are underrepresented in leadership, workplace policies often reflect the needs and assumptions of those in the room rather than the broader workforce. Women consistently report higher needs for flexibility, especially around remote work and flexible hours.

A recent Indeed Hiring Lab report found that women are 11% more likely to prioritize remote work and 7% more likely to value flexible hours than men. National data shows that women make up the majority of teleworkers, and roughly one in four working women work from home at least part of the time. Among those who telework, half of women (more than nine million) are fully remote, a pattern that holds across nearly every racial and ethnic group and is especially pronounced for mothers.

These findings suggest that flexibility is essential for women’s workforce participation, advancement, and retention. Return‑to‑office mandates disproportionately harm women with caregiving responsibilities. By modeling equitable workplace practices, Utah can strengthen families, improve outcomes for children, and boost the broader economy.

Read the full story at deseret.com.