The return to the office, expected with the easing of the pandemic, seems to be losing ground as hybrid work takes center stage. Recent findings reveal a significant shift in workplace dynamics, with a decline in full-time office presence and a rise in the adoption of hybrid work models.

According to The Flex Report, a study drawing insights from over 4,000 companies worldwide with a workforce of more than 100 million individuals, the share of employees in US working in the office full time decreased to 42% during the second quarter of 2023. This is a notable decline from the 49% recorded in the first quarter. 

Rise of 'structured' hybrid work

The proportion of organisations implementing hybrid work arrangements reached 30% during the same period, reflecting a significant increase from the previous quarter's 20%.

The concept of work is undergoing a transformation towards a model known as "structured hybrid," where a specific number of days are designated for in-office presence. On average, organisations require employees to be physically present for a minimum of 2.53 days, with two and three days being the most commonly observed arrangements. 

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Among the mandatory office days, Tuesday holds the highest popularity, closely followed by Wednesday and Thursday. Only a small percentage of offices require employees to be present on Fridays, while a mere 24% enforce a Monday presence.

Full-time office vs. hybrid work

However, not all companies are ready to accept the idea that employees may choose not to return to physical offices. Companies like Twitter and Tesla, for instance, maintain a strict policy of full-time office attendance, while Apple reportedly monitors employee attendance and takes action against those who fail to comply. At Disney, employees are expected to be present in the office four days a week, although this policy has faced opposition with thousands signing a petition in protest.

Even tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Lyft are shifting towards increased on-site work, with plans to modify flexible work policies and have employees return to the workplace for at least half the week, and sometimes more.

These approaches to office attendance reflect the varying perspectives and strategies employed by organisations as they navigate the post-pandemic work landscape. While some prioritise the traditional in-office setup, others embrace the flexibility and autonomy that hybrid work provides. 

According to The Flex Report, workplace flexibility exhibits significant variations based on factors such as industry, company size, and location. 

Two-thirds of companies with fewer than 500 employees have embraced full flexibility, allowing employees the option to work remotely. In contrast, only 13% of companies with over 50,000 employees have achieved full flexibility, although 66% have adopted structured hybrid work arrangements.

According to studies conducted by Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford professor specialising in remote work, the proportion of days worked from home has stabilised at around 30%, which is approximately five times higher than pre-pandemic levels. 

Interestingly, Bloom's study highlights the benefits of remote work, with remote employees exhibiting higher productivity and a one-third lower likelihood of quitting compared to their non-remote counterparts.

As technology continues to advance, Bloom anticipates a growing trend towards increased remote work. With the advent of improved video calls, augmented reality, and virtual reality, the distinction between working in an office and working from home may become less pronounced. While office occupancy rates may temporarily rise to 55%, Bloom predicts a downward trend by the end of 2024.