Worker's non-refundable trip and return-to-office policies

What happened: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered hundreds of remote employees to relocate to Washington or lose their jobs. Meanwhile, companies are increasingly mandating return-to-office, with 22% of U.S. workers now working from home at least part-time. Despite this, 35% of employed people still worked remotely in 2025, up from 33% in 2024.

Market impact: These policies could drive demand for office space and related services, benefiting real estate investment trusts (REITs) like SL Green and Vornado. However, it may also lead to increased employee turnover and recruitment costs for companies, potentially impacting tech giants like Google and Facebook that have been slow to mandate returns.

What to watch next: In Q2 2026, monitor CFPB's employee relocation progress and its potential impact on agency productivity. Also, track Q1 2026 earnings from REITs and tech companies to gauge the financial implications of return-to-office policies. Lastly, watch for further changes in remote work statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' American Time Use Survey, due in late 2026.