For example, two-thirds of remote employees say they keep messaging apps open and set to active status even if they aren't actively working, 39% make sure to participate in social conversations on work messaging apps and 31% set emails to send on a schedule. In the office, employees demonstrate visibility and productivity by walking around the office so others can see them, plan meetings with co-workers who are in the office, or show up earlier and leave later than their manager.

RTO policies have intensified the pressure employees feel to appear visible and thus productive, but the belief that in-person work makes people more productive isn't supported by the data, the study found. Workers typically spend about three-quarters of their designated work day on work-related tasks, with the rest spent socializing, procrastinating or doing non-work-related tasks, according to the survey. However, on balance, in-office employees tend to spend an hour per day more than remote workers socializing, while remote workers spend that time on work-related tasks.

All of this is creating some mistrust among employees. About one-quarter of employees say they don't feel supported by their company's RTO policy, while at the same time one in four VP and C-level executives said they hoped their RTO policy would result in some voluntary turnover. Using RTO mandates as a workforce reduction tactic, however, can backfire with resulting loss of talent and lower employee morale.

Related: The rise of mandatory RTO & talent acquisition opportunity for remote businesses

More than one in four employees would consider quitting if RTO policies occur at their workplace, and many would consider taking a pay cut to remain in a remote work structure that supports work-life balance. Conversely, many employees expect different compensation when being called back to the office, pointing to higher costs of commuting and associated expenses. 

"Work policies should be designed to support all employees, regardless of their work location," said Anita Grantham, head of HR at BambooHR. "Whether in the office, remote or part of a hybrid team, it's crucial to create policies that prioritize flexibility, inclusivity and employee wellbeing in addition to productivity."