It doesn't seem that long ago, in 2021, when the job market was ripe with opportunities for white-collar workers. The flood of government money during the COVID-19 pandemic and a tight labor market created a demand for workers in almost every sector of the economy. At that time, the market pendulum swung deeply in favor of the employee, and lucky candidates had their pick of positions and options for benefits. As we emerged out of the pandemic, and the labor market remained tight, many employees decided they preferred WFH over working in the office. The tight labor market at the time put leverage on the side of the workers, and in many cases, their demand to continue WFH was met. With current market volatility, economic question marks, and changing expectations, the job market has swung back in favor of employers rather than their staff. Meanwhile, many business owners and CEOs have come to realize the downsides of a remote or even hybrid work environment. Many companies are also following in the footsteps of the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE team to trim the unnecessary fat of their companies and opt for efficiency. At the same time, AI has emerged as a significant opportunity to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Let's examine how current dynamics are changing the workforce, re-examine the relationship between employees and employers, and discuss how small business owners can take advantage of this moment. The Realities of Remote Work The COVID-19 pandemic drowned the whole world in change to start this new decade. Work, health, education, entertainment, politics, and everyday life changed in unexpected ways. Five years on from those tumultuous days in March 2020, lingering attitudes remain. Many employees are unhappy with RTO (return to office) mandates from CEOs. A large majority of CEOs agree that creating a positive work culture with remote employees is essentially impossible. While there may be occasional times when remote work can be helpful (such as during sickness or family emergencies), many business leaders believe that it should not be the standard. Accountability, productivity, and creativity are much easier to foster in an in-person office environment. With the pendulum swinging back in favor of employers, employees will need to adjust their expectations.

Small business owners must not give in to fear or panic. Rather, we should step back and look at the larger geopolitical picture.