Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Howard Tokunaga; Megumi Hosoda; Tricia Ryan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed traditional workplace structures across higher education, accelerating the adoption of hybrid and remote work arrangements. In the post-pandemic period, as universities implement or refine mandatory return-to-office (RTO) policies, understanding employee perspectives remains critical for informed decision-making. The present exploratory study investigated staff experiences with hybrid work, anticipated reactions to a five-day in-office mandate, and preferences for future work models within a large public university. Data were collected from 155 university staff members through a 12-item survey assessing perceived benefits of hybrid work, expected impact of a mandatory in-office requirement, and preferred work arrangements when given a choice. Participants represented a range of tenure levels, commute lengths, and work arrangements. Descriptive analyses revealed that participants overwhelmingly preferred hybrid work arrangements, reported substantial personal and professional benefits of hybrid work, and indicated strong opposition to a mandatory five-day in-office requirement, with many anticipating decreased productivity and increased likelihood of seeking alternative employment if such a policy were implemented. Although conducted within a single institutional context, the findings provide insight into how staff experience workplace flexibility and how shifts in work-location policy may influence engagement and retention. Results underscore the importance of incorporating employee perspectives when implementing RTO policies in higher education.

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