Big names like Goldman Sachs, Tesla, IBM, Deutsche Bank, and Zoom recently introduced more stringent return-to-office policies. These moves were widely covered in the media, feeding a narrative of mass remote work reversal.
Experts writing for Financial Times describe the situation as the “baffling WFH puzzle.” Despite stricter in-office demands, remote work has held steady at approximately 30% of total working hours since late 2023.
Why policies aren’t translating to attendance
Analysts explain that while mandates are on the rise, enforcement remains weak. Many companies issue “mandatory” office days, yet do not back them with penalties or tracking. For employees, day-to-day routines rarely change—remote work remains their default mode.
Smaller firms balance flex and oversight
Mid‑sized and fast‑growing companies are often more flexible, preserving remote work to retain talent. These employers recognize that remote-friendly models can match productivity and efficiency, without heavy-handed enforcement. That balance helps avoid employee turnover.
Outlook for office mandates and productivity
As 2025 unfolds, the broader workforce seems to embrace hybrid flexibility as the norm, regardless of official policies. The FT suggests that rigid office mandates are likely to soften, replaced by workplace structures that emphasize output and employee experience over physical presence. In essence, remote work continues to thrive partly because fewer employers are actually enforcing a full-time return.
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