CEOs expect full office return by 2026 — survey
AMSTELVEEN, NETHERLANDS — Many Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) foresee a full return to in-person work in offices within the next three years, according to a recent global survey by KPMG.
The KPMG survey of over 1,300 CEOs worldwide found 64% expect employees back full-time by 2026, despite widespread hybrid arrangements adopted during the pandemic.
The “CEO Outlook” report showed growing support for pre-Covid office norms, with 87% of global CEOs and 83% of UK CEOs saying pay and promotions may soon link to office attendance.
However, KPMG UK CEO Jon Holt cautioned, “There’s no “one-size fits all approach” to back-to-office mandates. Any such move could “create tensions between leaders and employers.”
Major firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Citigroup have shifted back from flexible policies, pushing for on-site work.
“CEOs hoping to return to an all-office world will have to work collaboratively and carefully with colleagues to get it right,” Holt added.
The survey comes as many surveys of employees show preference for hybrid or remote options, with some willing to quit if forced back full-time.
Legal experts advise CEOs to consider potential discrimination lawsuits if requiring on-site work.
KPMG is a global network of accounting and advisory firms, headquartered in the Netherlands.
The “CEO Outlook” report surveyed leaders at companies with over $500 million in annual revenues.
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