Returning to the office (RTO) is one of 2025’s most heated workplace conversations. Scroll through Reddit or Quora, and you’ll find everything from “I miss my commute like I miss dial-up internet” to “I actually love being back—it keeps me focused.”
So, what’s the best move for employers? Let’s break it down into what workers are saying, broader findings and tactics for RTO, and why it matters.
What Employees Are Saying in 2025
The online chatter is loud—and revealing.
On Reddit, employees vent about wasted commutes, higher lunch costs, and missing the comfort of home. Others, though, say they thrive in-office, finding it easier to focus, collaborate, and learn.
The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Employees are divided, but most agree—if they’re coming back, it has to feel worth it.
- Frustration with full-time RTO: Workers cite long commutes, higher costs, and less control over their day. One Reddit user joked:
“I don’t understand why I need to fight through traffic just to sit on Zoom calls.”
- Hybrid wins hearts: Many say they’d gladly come in a few days a week, especially if balanced with perks like a four-day workweek (Reddit Thread).
- But some like the office: A surprising number find in-person work more engaging and helpful for learning and collaboration (Reddit Thread).
Survey Insights: The Bigger Picture
The numbers back up what the chatter hints at: flexibility rules.
Surveys across Canada, the UK, Australia, and the U.S. show a consistent trend—full-time RTO is losing ground. Hybrid work, where employees spend part of their week at home and part in the office, is becoming the dominant model.
The stats also reveal something else—forcing full-time attendance isn’t just unpopular; it’s a potential retention risk.
- Canada (Angus Reid, July 2025):
59% prefer mostly working from home; only 9% want full-time office.
- UK (King’s College London):
Only 42% are willing to comply with full-time mandates, down from 54% in 2022
- Australia:
61.6% favor one to four remote days per week.
- U.S. (Forbes Flex Index, Q4 2024):
Hybrid is now the dominant model, with companies averaging 2.8 days/week in the office.
Tactics to Make RTO Work for Your Company
Now for the part that matters most: what can employers do?
It’s clear employees want balance, so companies need to rethink how the office fits into work life. Here are a few proven ways to do it:
1. Offer Truly Flexible Hybrid Schedules
Hybrid isn’t a compromise—it’s a competitive advantage. It helps employees feel in control and keeps turnover down.
2. Design the Office for Connection, Not Attendance
The office should be a place where ideas spark, mentorship happens, and culture grows. Not a place to sit through Zoom calls. Redesign spaces for brainstorming, mentoring, and social connection to create the reasons employees want to be there.
3. Throw in Meaningful Perks
Small gestures go a long way. Perks like commuter benefits, better lunch options, or even a four-day workweek can make RTO feel like a win-win.
4. Listen and Iterate
Your teams are unique. What works for one team (creative? engineering? admin?) might not for another. Keep a feedback loop open. Survey teams, test approaches, and tweak until you find a rhythm that works.
Why It Matters
Because this isn’t just about “getting people back at desks.” It’s about cultivating a culture where people choose to come in, contribute, and stay engaged—with clarity, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Let’s be clear: full-time RTO mandates in 2025 are a risky bet. But if you play your cards thoughtfully: Hybrid, flexible approaches can become your greatest competitive advantage.
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