As more organizations move toward a return to the office (RTO), it’s clear that not all transitions are going smoothly. When RTO strategies are poorly executed, they can lead to employee frustration, confusion, and even the loss of valuable talent. Fortunately, many of these challenges are avoidable. By recognizing and addressing these ten common mistakes, employers can support a smoother, more sustainable return.

Each year, the CDC reports that around 22 million workers are exposed to noise levels that can damage health. While hearing loss is the most familiar risk, the effects go far deeper. Persistent noise exposure has been linked to heart disease, disrupted sleep, elevated stress, and trouble with memory and focus. In other words, workplace noise isn’t just a daily distraction—it’s a long-term threat to both productivity and overall well-being.

Time-blocking—dividing your day into dedicated chunks for specific tasks—is more than just a scheduling strategy. It's a mindset shift. Instead of reacting to your to-do list, you're curating your time with intention. And autumn, with its built-in sense of structure, is the perfect backdrop for this approach.