Back to the Office? 2025's Workplace Reality Check

Since 2019, the workplace conversation has shifted dramatically between in-office, hybrid, and remote models. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to fully remote work, but as we move through 2025, employers are increasingly pushing for a return to the office (RTO). According to a late 2024 ResumeBuilder.com survey, nearly two-thirds of companies had already implemented some form of RTO policy, with another 23% planning to do so by the end of 2025.

What does RTO actually mean?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in a Return-to-Office policy, reflecting diverse operational needs and cultures. While some companies mandate full-time office attendance, others have adopted hybrid models. HRTech Edge reports that over 25% of U.S. companies plan to be fully in-office five days a week by late 2025. However, hybrid work remains the most common arrangement, with many organizations - including most of our clients - requiring employees to be in-office two or three days per week.

What’s driving the RTO movement?

Many smaller organizations are following the lead of major corporations and government agencies reinstating in-office policies, and several factors motivate companies to implement RTO policies:

• Collaboration and Innovation: Leaders believe in-person interactions enhance teamwork and spur innovation. For instance, when Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, announced their RTO plans in 2024, he emphasized that in-person work strengthens company culture and fuels innovation. ​

• Productivity Concerns: Some executives contend that on-site work boosts productivity and accountability, though this perspective is subject to debate - at least for the time being. Productivity monitoring tools driven by AI are gaining traction, giving companies real data and the ability to decide if this assumption is true for their workforce.

• Cultural Cohesion: Being physically present is seen as vital for fostering a unified company culture and facilitating mentorship, especially for younger professionals or those making a career transition. There’s also a mental health argument - in-person work can allow employees to draw clearer boundaries between work and home responsibilities, and can help employees fight feelings of isolation and find a sense of belonging among work peers.

• Real Estate & Capital Investments: With long-term leases and costly real estate holdings, some companies are pushing RTO to justify past investments and reduce wasted overhead. In-office policies help protect these financial commitments and improve space utilization metrics, supporting the bottom line.

How are employees responding?

With mixed reactions. Forbes highlights that 74% of employees prefer hybrid or remote options, and Gallup reports that only 10% of employees would choose a fully in-office schedule (OysterHR). Workers value flexibility, lower commuting costs, and improved work-life balance, and many feel they are more productive outside a traditional office setting (LiveCareer).

What’s next?

The RTO debate presents both challenges and opportunities. Employers must balance organizational objectives with employee preferences to attract and retain top talent. Job seekers should assess how emerging workplace policies align with their career aspirations. Staying informed about workplace trends and maintaining transparent communication about expectations will be crucial for building successful teams in 2025 and beyond.