The Board Brief
An 11-page summary for the chief executive, the board and the CFO: the real cost of a desk, the evidence on both sides, and a checklist for the decision.
The Visibility Trap — Free Tools
A Leader's Guide to Return-to-Office, Hybrid Work, and Deciding Which Roles Need a Desk
by John S. Muir
Most return-to-office debates are about how many days. The Visibility Trap asks a better question: which work needs a desk, which needs a mentor sitting nearby, and which needs neither. These tools come with the book and turn that question into a decision your leadership team can make, defend and revisit. They are free to use within your organization.
The Role Placement Worksheet
Place roles, not people, on the Role Placement Map with the managers who lead the work, one role family at a time.
The Individual Arrangement Guide
A short guide for HR on judging readiness to work at a distance person by person, using written, job-related criteria that you document and review consistently.
The Both-Columns Cost Model
Enter your own salaries, attrition, seat costs and badge data. The model shows your cost per occupied desk, the full business case and five scenarios side by side.
Working through this decision as a leadership team?
Team copies of the book and facilitated working sessions are available through NINETEEN64 Consulting.
Talk to NINETEEN64 →Get the book: Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover — coming soon.
The guide and worksheet are general information, not legal advice. Take questions about accommodations, leave and employment law to your own counsel.
© 2026 John S. Muir. Free to use within your organization. Please do not resell or republish.