A survey by ResumeTemplates.com, has found that 27 per cent of companies will require employees to work in-office five days a week by the end of the year, with many citing corporate trends and recent government policies as driving factors.
According to the survey, 22 per cent of companies have already returned to a fully in-office model, while an additional 5 per cent plan to do so this year. Although hybrid work remains the most common structure, with 67 per cent of companies offering some level of flexibility, only 6 per cent of businesses expect to remain fully remote through the end of 2025. Among hybrid organisations, requiring employees to be in-office three days per week is the most common arrangement.
Corporate trends and government mandates have played a role in shaping workplace policies. More than half (54 per cent) of companies say they have been at least somewhat influenced by major corporations implementing stricter RTO policies. Additionally, 35 per cent of businesses report that President Trump’s executive order requiring federal employees to return to the office has factored into their own RTO decisions.
As organisations push for more in-person work, many are also increasing enforcement efforts. Among companies requiring a five-day office schedule, 47 per cent plan to use termination or disciplinary actions against employees who do not comply. Badge tracking and attendance monitoring have been adopted by 34 per cent of companies, while 32 per cent factor attendance into performance evaluations. Additionally, 29 per cent now consider in-office presence when determining promotions and salary increases.
Although some businesses are maintaining hybrid and remote work options, financial trade-offs may apply. Among companies that allow hybrid roles, 20 per cent plan to pay hybrid workers less than their in-office counterparts. Similarly, 7 per cent of businesses will reduce pay for fully remote employees. However, 76 per cent of hybrid-friendly companies and 92 per cent of remote-friendly organisations report that they will maintain equal pay for employees regardless of work location.
This survey, conducted in January 2025 via Pollfish, included 849 U.S. managers. To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.resumetemplates.com/3-in-10-companies-will-enforce-a-full-5-day-in-office-workweek-this-year/
