Return to office mandates are forcing a choice. You're reading the email from HR. Five days a week, starting next month. You've been working from home for three years. Your coworkers are furious. You're relieved.

One co-host would go back tomorrow, in a heartbeat. The isolation is killing him. Screen rot, brain rot, doom scrolling. Less creative, less inspired. Going to coffee shops doesn't help because his team isn't there. The other argues the employer has the money, the employer picks the location. If the hole needs digging in Sudbury, you can't dig it in Ottawa. Federal workers just got hit with the switch: full flexibility to five days in-office. An Angus Reid study found only 3 in 10 Canadians want to return. The tension isn't about convenience anymore.

The conversation isn't actually about where you work. It's about who decides, how fast the switch happens, and whether anyone's asking the right questions before flipping that switch. Hybrid might be the answer, but only if the conversation happens first.

Topics: return to office mandates, remote work loneliness, hybrid work models, workplace flexibility, employee power dynamics

Originally aired on 2026-01-28

Return to office mandates are forcing a choice. You're reading the email from HR. Five days a week, starting next month. You've been working from home for three years. Your coworkers are furious. You're relieved.
One co-host would go back tomorrow, in a heartbeat. The isolation is killing him. Screen rot, brain rot, doom scrolling. Less creative, less inspired. Going to coffee shops doesn't help because his team isn't there. The other argues the employer has the money, the employer picks the location. If the hole needs digging in Sudbury, you can't dig it in Ottawa. Federal workers just got hit with the switch: full flexibility to five days in-office. An Angus Reid study found only 3 in 10 Canadians want to return. The tension isn't about convenience anymore.
The conversation isn't actually about where you work. It's about who decides, how fast the switch happens, and whether anyone's asking the right questions before flipping that switch. Hybrid might be the answer, but only if the conversation happens first.
Topics: return to office mandates, remote work loneliness, hybrid work models, workplace flexibility, employee power dynamics
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-28

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.