My company announced a return-to-office policy a few weeks ago. It's already affecting my relationship with my partner.
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Returning to the office after years of remote work has disrupted the author’s relationship with their partner. The RTO policy forced a change in their shared routine, leaving them feeling more exhausted and requiring intentional effort to maintain their connection. While they initially resisted remote work, they eventually embraced it as it allowed them to build a life together in London that felt fulfilling and intentional. However, the return to the office has exposed how much their relationship relied on the flexibility and proximity of working from home.
The shift has introduced new challenges, including financial strain due to commuting costs and lost savings from living at home. Time constraints have also reduced shared moments, making evenings shorter and less intimate. Additionally, the energy drain from daily commutes and office environments leaves the author feeling depleted upon returning home, affecting their ability to engage fully with their partner.
Their relationship now requires more deliberate effort—scheduling meals, planning shared time, and openly communicating about their needs. While this hasn’t damaged their bond, it has revealed how much of their routine was built on being together at home. This experience highlights the importance of understanding how workplace policies can impact employees’ personal lives and relationships, making it a critical consideration for businesses aiming to support their workforce effectively.
This story underscores the hidden costs of RTO mandates, particularly in urban areas like London, where commuting is expensive and time-consuming. It also emphasizes the need for companies to recognize the balance employees strike between work and personal life, especially when remote work has proven beneficial for relationships and well-being. For readers interested in business and workplace dynamics, this highlights the broader implications of RTO policies on employee satisfaction and retention.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026