It feels like we’ve been debating the future of work for ages, doesn’t it? Since the pandemic hit, many companies were forced to embrace remote and hybrid work practically overnight. Fast forward to 2024, and we’re still trying to figure out what the “new normal” actually is. According to a recent KPMG survey, a staggering 79% of CEOs believe that their employees will be back in the office full-time within the next three years. It’s a bold prediction—one that many of us in the workplace strategy space think might be a bit… misguided.
Look, I get why some leaders want to see their teams back in the office. There’s a sense of control, of predictability, of the way things used to be. But clinging to this idea might be a little out of touch with how much work—and workers—have changed over the past few years. Here’s why I think these CEOs may need to rethink their expectations.
The Demand for Flexibility Isn’t Going Anywhere
Let’s be real. Flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for employees today. The pandemic didn’t just shake up our work lives temporarily; it fundamentally changed what we expect from our jobs. A Gallup survey showed that 6 **in 10 employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement.**That’s a massive number.
People have realized that they can be just as productive (if not more so) from home, without the daily grind of commuting, office distractions, and rigid 9-to-5 schedules. Employees now value the autonomy to decide where and when they work, and let’s face it—forcing people back into the office full-time could trigger a mass exodus. If CEOs continue pushing for a full-time office return, they’re risking serious retention and recruitment challenges.
Are We Really More Productive in the Office?
One of the main reasons some executives want everyone back at their desks is the belief that in-office work equals better productivity. But here’s the kicker: studies have consistently shown that’s not necessarily true. In fact, remote workers are often more productive than their in-office counterparts. Check out hybrid expert Brian Elliott on why we should focus on outcomes over productivity.
The key here is trust. When employees feel empowered to work when and where they’re most productive, they’re more likely to deliver quality results. CEOs stuck in the mindset that productivity is tied to physical presence might be overlooking this crucial insight. Flexibility isn’t about slacking off—it’s about getting the best work done in the best environment.
Office Life vs. Mental Health: The Balancing Act
A full-time return to the office could have serious implications for employee well-being. Let’s not forget that the shift to remote work during the pandemic wasn’t just about keeping businesses running; it was also about preserving mental health. Without commutes, back-to-back meetings, and the constant pressure of being “on” in an office, many workers found a healthier work-life balance.
Owl Labs reported that in-office workers (47%) stated increased stress levels more than their hybrid counterparts (39%). It’s not hard to see why—working from home allows for better time management, more breaks, and the ability to handle personal responsibilities with less anxiety.
So, when CEOs predict a full-time return to the office, are they considering how this shift might affect their employees’ mental health? In a time when burnout and stress are on the rise, businesses that prioritize well-being through flexibility will have a leg up on those that don’t.
The Talent Game Has Changed
It’s no secret that the job market has transformed post-pandemic. Employees have more power than ever, and they’re not shy about demanding flexibility. In fact, 50% of workers surveyed by PwC said they’d consider leaving their job if they lost the option to work remotely. That’s half the workforce potentially out the door if CEOs insist on going back to a full-time office model.
For younger generations entering the workforce, the option to work remotely isn’t just a perk—it’s a non-negotiable. They’re looking for jobs that offer balance, autonomy, and the ability to work from anywhere. Sticking to an outdated idea of office work will limit a company’s ability to attract top talent, especially in competitive industries like tech, marketing, and finance. The companies embracing hybrid work are the ones getting ahead in the talent war.
Collaboration Doesn’t Have to Mean In-Person
One of the big arguments in favor of full-time RTO is that in-person collaboration is key to innovation. And yes, there’s something undeniably powerful about being in a room together, bouncing ideas off one another. But let’s not forget that we’ve spent the past few years proving we can collaborate virtually—and successfully.
From Zoom meetings to Slack channels, virtual whiteboards, and project management tools, we’ve found ways to make remote collaboration work. Some companies have adopted “office days,” where teams come together for brainstorming or major meetings but do their focused work from home. This hybrid approach gives people the best of both worlds: the ability to collaborate in person when it really counts and the flexibility to work remotely the rest of the time.
Plus, let’s not ignore the fact that in-office collaboration isn’t always as magical as it sounds. How many times have you been pulled into a meeting that could’ve been an email? Hybrid models allow teams to collaborate smarter, not harder.
The Environmental and Financial Benefits of Hybrid Work
There’s another angle CEOs might be missing: the cost of returning to the office full-time. Maintaining large office spaces comes with significant financial and environmental costs. From rent to utilities to maintenance, the price of keeping an office running is steep. And don’t get me started on the environmental impact—fewer commutes means fewer emissions. Remote work allows companies to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals, something many employees and consumers now prioritize.
In fact, Global Workplace Analytics estimates that businesses can save up to $11,000 per employee annually by letting them work remotely half the time. For companies looking to cut costs and go green, the full-time office model just doesn’t add up.
Kadence: Your Key to Hybrid Success
So, if full-time office work isn’t the future, what is? The answer lies in hybrid models that give employees the best of both worlds: the flexibility to work from home when it makes sense and the option to come into the office when collaboration or connection is needed.
This is where Kadence comes in. With Kadence’s intuitive platform, businesses can seamlessly manage hybrid teams, ensuring that employees have the tools they need to work effectively, no matter where they are. Whether it’s coordinating schedules, optimizing office space, or fostering collaboration across time zones, Kadence helps companies create a balanced, efficient work environment that respects both productivity and flexibility.
Instead of betting on a full-time return to the office, CEOs should consider investing in solutions like Kadence that empower employees and streamline hybrid work. By doing so, they’ll be better positioned to thrive in a future where flexibility and well-being are at the heart of work.
In the end, the 79% of CEOs predicting a full-time return to the office might be holding onto an outdated idea of what work has to be. As employees demand more flexibility and businesses adapt to new technologies, it’s clear that the future is hybrid—and companies that embrace this shift will be the ones leading the way.
We’re a team of hybrid experts. Book a Demo to find out how to make the most out of hybrid work.
