As we approach 2025, a significant shift is on the horizon for the American workforce. Despite some resistance, a majority of companies are gearing up to enforce return-to-office (RTO) mandates. According to a recent Resume.Builder survey featured by BenefitsPro.com, an overwhelming 9 in 10 companies plan to implement these mandates next year. This survey, which gathered data from 764 companies that adopted a fully remote work model during the pandemic, sheds light on the evolving landscape of workplace policies.

Current Trends in RTO Mandates

The survey reveals that approximately two-thirds of companies have already mandated RTO. Among these, more than half do not intend to alter the number of required office attendance days in the coming year. Interestingly, 30% of companies plan to increase the number of in-office days, while 15% aim to reduce them.

Monitoring Employee Attendance

A notable 75% of companies surveyed are actively tracking employee attendance in the office. For those that have already transitioned back to in-person work, the timeline varies: one-third began requiring office attendance in 2022, and 23% made the shift in 2021. Only a small fraction, 6%, indicated that they do not plan to mandate any return to the office.

The Future of Work

These findings highlight a clear trend towards reinstating in-office work, despite the flexibility that remote work offers. As companies navigate this transition, the balance between remote and in-office work will continue to evolve, influenced by factors such as employee preferences, productivity metrics, and organizational goals.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these RTO mandates will shape the future of work in 2025 and beyond. How do you feel about the return-to-office trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!