As the trend of remote work declines, both remote and hybrid workers may encounter pressure to spend more time working in the office. Employers are increasingly expecting employees to return to the office, with around 90% of companies with physical office spaces planning for employees to be back by 2024. Correspondingly, the availability of fully remote jobs has decreased significantly, dropping from 61.5% to 11.5% across various industries. This shift is particularly notable in the arts and entertainment sector, which has seen a 72% increase in onsite work.
Moreover, the number of days employees are expected to spend in the office is on the rise, with the average increasing from 1.1 days per week in 2021 to 3.4 days per week today. Certain industries, such as pharma and finance, expect employees to be in the office for even more days. However, despite the push towards in-office work, the prevalence of hybrid work is on the rise, with approximately 55% of knowledge workers having the flexibility to choose where they work on any given day.
While in-office work is increasing, employees are still retaining some level of flexibility. This is evidenced by the fact that 43% of workers are operating in a hybrid manner, spending some time in the office and some time at home. There are clear benefits associated with this hybrid model, including increased innovation, a more positive work culture, and a lower risk of burnout. Despite the push towards in-person attendance, employees are still expressing a preference for remote work at least one day a week, and many are concerned about return-to-office mandates.
There is also a heightened emphasis on accountability for in-office attendance, with a significant percentage of employees reporting that their attendance is tracked and that consequences are in place for non-compliance. Additionally, companies are offering various incentives for in-person attendance, such as commuter benefits, catered meals, and childcare services.
Business leaders believe there are substantial benefits to having employees work in the office, with the majority expressing confidence that it will amplify productivity, increase revenue, and improve company culture. Employees are also anticipated to benefit from increased productivity, improved energy and performance, enhanced engagement, and potentially improved mental health from working alongside colleagues. Recognizing these changes and understanding the evolving work landscape can equip individuals to adapt, succeed, and make the most of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.