As the labor market tightens, CEOs are regaining control—mandating office attendance, tightening performance metrics, and pushing AI-driven productivity. While some workers, like tech employee Jonathan Tobias, still enjoy remote flexibility, many face rising demands and shrinking autonomy.
CEOs Tightening Control
Experts warn that overreach could erode morale and retention, especially if leaders neglect empathy and fail to invest in AI training. In-demand talent may resist rigid mandates and flock to flexible, remote-first firms.
Though structure offers predictability in uncertain times, it risks toxicity if not balanced with trust. The “new normal” may harden early-career workers—or backfire when the job market rebounds.
