Work-from-anywhere policies defy end predictions in 2025

NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES — Despite some business leaders advocating for a return to office (RTO) policies, the “work-from-anywhere” model continues to prevail into 2025.
The tension between employers’ RTO mandates and employees’ growing desire for flexibility has given rise to what Gallup terms “The Great Detachment,” where workers feel increasingly disconnected and undervalued in their roles. This disparity is influencing workplace dynamics, pushing some companies towards controversial practices like “stealth sackings.”
WTW’s 2024 Flexible Work Models Pulse Survey reveals that 61% of U.S. companies have now adopted formal policies mandating in-office presence for part of the week, driven by beliefs that direct interactions enhance team engagement (84%), strengthen corporate culture (71%), and boost productivity (64%).
Despite these policies, employee preference for remote work remains strong, with 53% of remote workers willing to switch jobs within a year if forced into a full-time RTO schedule, and 48% ready to accept a pay cut for greater work flexibility.
The future of work is hybrid
While some companies tighten their RTO policies, others are loosening up, with 59% not actively pushing for more in-office days and 27% enhancing office amenities to attract employees. Only 34% of the workforce regularly works from the office, illustrating a significant shift towards a work-life balance that aligns with employee needs.
Notable industry leaders share insights on the evolving work environment. Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink, emphasizes, “Work-from-anywhere isn’t going anywhere,” attributing the persistence of this trend to lessons from the pandemic and the rise of a digital-first Gen Z workforce. He highlights advancements in remote connectivity that now match in-office performance levels, supporting a seamless remote work experience.
Doug Dennerline, CEO of Betterworks, argues against strict RTO mandates, advocating for a remote-first or at least a hybrid approach. He notes that such rigidity often forces managers to unofficially modify policies to retain talent.
Similarly, Dale Merrill of Foxwoods Resort Casino points out the necessity of regularly evaluating work modalities to adapt to changing needs and ensure effective role fulfillment.
“Employers must be strategic with scheduling because there are times when a blend of in-office and remote days makes sense and is actually more beneficial to the team,” Merrill explains.
“Transparency will remain important, explaining why certain roles require an on-site presence and when—at Foxwoods, for instance, an IT helpdesk worker doesn’t make sense to push back in the same way a convention sales representative does.”
Adapting to new work realities
As we move into 2025, the hybrid work model is becoming increasingly popular, blending in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.
Giancarlo Hirsch of Glocomms predicts that while fully remote setups may decline, hybrid models will dominate, appealing to a workforce that values flexibility and work-life balance. He also notes potential wage variations between remote and in-person roles, influenced by corporate and regional factors.
Overall, the transition to more flexible work arrangements seems inevitable as companies strive to attract and retain top talent, particularly from younger generations who prioritize flexibility and work-life balance.