The future of work is a battleground between return-to-office (RTO) mandates and the enduring popularity of remote work. While some predict the demise of RTO in 2025, others argue that "work-from-anywhere" is here to stay. This conflict has led to employee disengagement, dubbed "The Great Detachment," and even "stealth sackings."
Data reveals a complex picture. A WTW survey found that 61% of US companies have formal RTO policies, citing benefits like improved engagement, culture, and productivity. However, a conflicting survey showed that 53% of remote workers would quit if forced back full-time, and 48% would take a pay cut for flexibility. This pushback has led some companies to soften their stance, with 59% not actively pushing for RTO and 27% investing in office upgrades to entice employees. Notably, only 34% of the workforce is primarily in-office, and only 4% are required to be on-site four days a week. Surprisingly, 51% of organizations lack clear RTO rules, allowing employees significant flexibility.
Experts largely agree that remote work is not disappearing. Cloudbrink CEO Prakash Mana emphasizes the growing influence of Gen Z and advancements in secure remote connectivity. Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline predicts the "death of RTO" in 2025, advocating for remote-first or hybrid models. He believes rigid mandates are driving talent away and forcing managers to unofficially bend the rules.
Foxwoods Resort Casino's Dale Merrill highlights 2024 as a year of experimentation, finding that even roles initially deemed fully remote benefited from some in-person interaction. She stresses the need for regular evaluation of RTO policies and transparent communication about the reasons for on-site requirements, while also considering generational differences in expectations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Glocomms managing director Giancarlo Hirsch anticipates hybrid work becoming the dominant model, with fully remote roles becoming less common. He suggests potential compensation differences for remote workers (up to 25%) but emphasizes that hybrid models with 3+ days in the office will be crucial for attracting top talent. Work-life balance and flexible hours will remain paramount, requiring companies to focus on results rather than strict adherence to traditional office hours.
In conclusion, the consensus is that "work from anywhere" is a significant and enduring trend. While the specific implementation may vary, flexibility will be a key factor in attracting and retaining talent in 2025 and beyond.