Just a year ago, remote and hybrid work seemed like the future of office life. But as companies rethink their policies, some employees are, surprisingly, warming up to the idea of full-time office work again.
According to the latest Ipsos Consumer Tracker, about one in three employees (32%) now prefer working entirely in an office, up from just one in five (21%) last year. Meanwhile, remote work still holds strong, with one in four workers (24%) wanting a fully or mostly remote model.
What’s changing is the hybrid trend. Fewer employees want to split their time between home and office, with only 14% favoring an even mix, down from 24% in 2024.
With some major companies tightening their return-to-office policies, employees are weighing the benefits of flexibility against the structure and connection that come with in-person work.
So, is the office making a comeback? Let’s take a look at the Ipsos data!
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The Growing Appeal of Office Work
After years of remote and hybrid work, something surprising is happening—more employees are choosing to spend most or all of their time in an office.
Right now, just over half of workers (55%) prefer working mostly or entirely in-office. This is a big jump from only 40% last year! Why the shift?
Some companies are making the call for employees to return. JPMorgan Chase, for example, is bringing a larger share of their 300,000-person workforce back to their desks. Other companies and employees might simply be rediscovering the perks of office life - structured routines, clear work-life boundaries, and those impromptu coffee break chats that just don’t happen on Zoom.
Not everyone is thrilled, though. At Wells Fargo, new workplace policies have recently sparked talk of unionization, with some employees pushing back against the return-to-office trend. While some see back-to-office simply as an adjustment, others feel their flexibility is slipping away.
Maybe it’s a sign of change. Or maybe workers are just settling into new habits after years of remote and hybrid schedules. Either way, one thing is clear: the office isn't going anywhere just yet.
Remote Work - A Steady Preference
Remote work still holds firm, with about one in four employees (24%) choosing to work from home most or all of the time. Unlike the shifts seen in office and hybrid preferences, this number hasn’t changed much over the past year.
Studies have shown that working from home affects industries in different ways. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report found that industries with the biggest growth in remote work also tended to see increases in productivity, though this wasn’t necessarily the case for every field.
For those employees who prefer to work from home, key benefits include flexibility, fewer commuting costs, and more control over schedules. While some companies continue pushing for office returns, remote employees appear to be holding onto their preferences.
Why Hybrid Models Are Losing Favor
The biggest drop in workplace preferences is in hybrid schedules. Last year, about one in four employees (24%) wanted an even split between home and office. Now, that number has fallen to only about one in seven (14%).
Balancing two work environments comes with a number of challenges. Some employees may find it difficult to switch between commuting and working from home throughout the week. A routine that includes both locations can be unpredictable, affecting productivity and time management.
Childcare, pet care, and commuting are all factors that play a role. On in-office days, workers must arrange schedules around transportation, meetings, and office expectations. On remote days, home distractions can make it difficult to stay engaged.
These constant shifts may explain why more people are choosing either a fully remote or fully in-office setup instead.
What’s Next for Workplace Flexibility?
Employee preferences continue to shape company policies. Businesses may refine hybrid models to make them more structured or lean toward a return-to-office model as more employees get used to office life again.
With one in three employees (32%) currently preferring full-time office work, companies will have to weigh the benefits of flexibility against productivity and operational needs. Work environments are shifting, and as employees adjust to these changes, the conversation around the best way to work will keep evolving.
Where do you feel most productive?
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The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from:
https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/home-office-or-hybrid-how-americans-want-work-slowly-shifting
