As the workforce continues to evolve post-pandemic, a growing number of major U.S. corporations are reinforcing their return-to-office (RTO) policies, signaling a major shift away from the remote-first models that became commonplace during the COVID-19 crisis. As of July 17, 2025, leading companies such as JPMorgan Chase, Ford, TikTok, and Goldman Sachs have implemented or expanded full-time office mandates or hybrid working models, seeking to strike a balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration.
The Shift Toward In-Person Work
The push for in-office work stems from the recognition that remote work, while beneficial in some ways, has had limitations for businesses aiming to maintain strong company culture, foster innovation, and enhance team dynamics. Major corporations like JPMorgan Chase have emphasized the importance of returning to physical offices, citing the value of face-to-face collaboration for creative problem-solving and team building. For JPMorgan, CEO Jamie Dimon has been vocal about the need for employees to return to the office, arguing that working in person helps foster the “energy” needed for productivity and mentorship, particularly in industries such as finance and technology.
Hybrid Work Models Gain Traction
Despite the push for in-person work, many companies are introducing hybrid models that combine both remote and in-office work. Goldman Sachs, for example, is mandating that employees work in the office at least three days a week while allowing flexibility for the remaining two days. This hybrid approach is designed to provide employees with more flexibility without losing the benefits of in-person work. Hybrid models are gaining traction because they offer a compromise: employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home but still get to experience the collaborative environment of the office.
In response to employee concerns over remote work flexibility, many businesses are also investing in office redesigns that promote social interaction. New office layouts focus on creating more collaborative spaces with technology-enhanced meeting rooms, allowing hybrid employees to participate in face-to-face and virtual meetings seamlessly. Some companies are also offering wellness programs and improved workspaces to ensure that the office remains an attractive option for employees, which is particularly important for fostering long-term employee retention.
Adapting to New Work Expectations
While many employees have expressed resistance to returning to a traditional 9-to-5 office schedule, a 2025 survey by Gallup found that approximately 45% of workers in corporate settings are open to hybrid schedules, provided they have adequate flexibility. Companies like Ford are recognizing this and are tailoring their policies to meet evolving employee expectations. As part of its RTO strategy, Ford has implemented a hybrid work policy for its employees, enabling them to split time between the office and home while still ensuring strong collaboration among teams.
Despite mixed feelings from some employees, the return-to-office trend is being driven by several factors, including the need to rebuild company culture and strengthen interpersonal relationships that have been impacted by the long duration of remote work. Companies in industries like banking, tech, and retail are finding that while remote work has its place, some tasks—especially those that require heavy collaboration—are better accomplished in person.
Corporate Real Estate Adaptations
The return to the office is also influencing corporate real estate trends. In the past few years, businesses that shifted to fully remote models or downsized their office spaces are now reassessing their needs. Some companies that downsized their office footprints during the pandemic are beginning to upsize again. As employees return to physical spaces, companies are investing in modernized office designs that prioritize collaboration, wellness, and employee engagement. These companies are also evaluating how their office spaces can be more adaptive to hybrid working needs.
Real estate firms are seeing a rise in office lease activity as businesses adjust to the hybrid work model and return to their physical offices. Companies are also considering more flexible leasing options that allow them to scale office space as necessary, balancing in-person requirements with remote capabilities.
Looking Ahead: A Hybrid Future
The future of work is undeniably hybrid. With businesses across the nation shifting toward hybrid work environments, it seems likely that flexibility will continue to be a central theme in the workplace. Companies that can successfully blend in-person collaboration with remote flexibility will likely have a competitive advantage in attracting top talent. While return-to-office mandates are becoming more common, businesses are recognizing that accommodating employee preferences for flexibility is key to long-term success.