A mere 3% of companies continue to enforce stringent Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates, a significant drop from 8% in the previous year, as businesses increasingly prioritise flexible working arrangements. This shift is highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Flex Index, which examined 2,670 organisations, revealing that 79% of firms now offer fully flexible work options, an increase from 75% in 2023.
The data underscores a growing trend among businesses to accommodate employees’ preferences for flexible work environments. Tensions over RTO policies have persisted, with many workers resisting the push for a return to full-time office attendance. However, it appears that companies are largely retreating from rigid office mandates, with only a small fraction of firms maintaining a full-time office requirement.
The survey shows that the “employee’s choice” model, where staff have the autonomy to set their own work schedules, has gained significant traction. In 2024, 56% of companies adopted this model, a substantial rise from 38% in the previous year. This approach underscores the growing recognition among employers of the need to offer flexible work arrangements to attract and retain talent.
Despite the move towards flexibility, a structured hybrid model, where employees split their time between the office and remote work, is still in place at 18% of organisations. Meanwhile, the proportion of companies that have entirely eliminated physical office spaces has decreased to 23%, down from 37% in 2023. This indicates a balanced approach by some firms, seeking to maintain a physical presence while accommodating remote work preferences.
Notably, large tech firms such as Dell and Google have faced considerable backlash from employees over their RTO policies. This resistance has led to a re-evaluation of these mandates at the executive level, with many companies reconsidering the feasibility and desirability of a full return to the office. Despite earlier predictions of a widespread return to office-based work, the hybrid model has emerged as the preferred choice for both employers and employees.
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group, commented on the findings, highlighting the importance of flexibility in today’s workplace. “The failure of return-to-office mandates, where only 3% of firms now require being in the office full-time, underscores the growing value placed on workplace flexibility by employees. Our recent Gen Z whitepaper revealed that three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennials currently working for remote, or hybrid companies would resign immediately if forced to return to the office full-time.”
Flavell also emphasised the need for balance, noting that while flexibility is key, there remains value in in-office work. “Gen Z, for example, still values the opportunity to learn from senior team members and develop their skills through in-person interactions. In-office environments are also crucial for experiential learning, enabling businesses to create simulated learning opportunities and support staff in gaining hands-on experience with the tools they’ll use daily.”
As companies continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, it is clear that flexibility will remain a defining feature of the modern workplace.