Hi Reader,

Big names like Amazon, AT&T, and JPMorgan Chase are calling everyone back to the office…except for the “chosen few.”

According to a new Wall Street Journal article, star employees—the ones hitting (or exceeding) performance quotas—are quietly getting special treatment.

Think flexible schedules, more remote days, and far less micromanagement.

So, what if you’re not the current “all-star” in your org? Do you have any leverage in negotiating for more flexibility?

Absolutely.

What’s Driving These New Return-to-Office (RTO) Mandates?

• Collaboration + Connection: Many CEOs see in-person time as the key to spark creativity and sustain corporate culture.
• Talent Retention: Certain top performers or in-demand skill-holders get special “perks” (like working from home more often) so they won’t be poached.
• Pushback & Fairness Tensions: For many teams, it feels unfair that some employees come in five days a week while others remain hybrid.

But you can still negotiate for more flexibility!

Below are our top 3 strategies to secure a more hybrid-friendly setup—even if you feel stuck in a strict RTO policy.

1. If It’s a Priority For You, Bring It Up From The Start

If remote flexibility is a dealbreaker for you, don’t treat it as a last-minute request. The earlier you introduce it in negotiations, the more seriously it will be taken. Waiting too long signals that it’s negotiable—when it might not be for you.

Negotiation Tip:

“As I evaluate opportunities, flexibility is one of my key priorities. Can we discuss how your team approaches remote work?”

2. Bring It Up Again (Strategically)

If your first ask doesn’t secure your ideal RTO arrangement, don’t drop it. Instead, bring it up again once or twice as the negotiation unfolds as a reason why you’re not saying yes to the offer yet. If they want you enough, they’ll revisit their stance—especially when they realize it’s holding up your decision.

Negotiation Tip:

“I really like this opportunity, but the ability to work remotely 3 days a week is a key factor for me. I’d love to explore how to make this work before finalizing my decision.”

3. Offer a Concession to Get a Concession

If leadership has specific in-office preferences, show flexibility in a way that still meets your needs. Compromising on smaller details can make them more likely to meet you halfway.

Negotiation Tip:

“I understand that Monday’s team meeting is important in person. What if I adjust my remote days to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday instead?”

Need more personalized support?

Hit reply or schedule a free consultation call here.

We’ll talk through your unique situation, role-play the negotiation conversation, and set you up with proven scripts to show why offering you more flexibility is in the company’s best interest.

Here’s to turning any “RTO mandate” into an opportunity to craft the work setup you deserve!

Thanks,

Gerta & Alex
Co-founders of YourNegotiations.com

P.S. If you find yourself second-guessing every word you say in a negotiation, check out our previous newsletter on three negotiation pitfalls—even seasoned pros sometimes slip up!

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