Only 3% of companies stick to strict office mandates as flexibility takes over

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Joanne Swann
Man working from his studio
Man working from his studio

Only 3 percent of organisations now enforce strict Return-to-Office (RTO) policies, a sharp decline from 8 percent last year. According to Flex Index, which surveyed 2,670 firms, most companies are shifting towards flexibility, with 79 percent offering fully flexible work arrangements in 2024, up from 75 percent in 2023.

RTO mandates have become a significant source of tension between companies and employees, but very few firms still require full-time office attendance. Over half (56 percent) of businesses now use an “employee’s choice” model, allowing staff to determine their own work schedules—a notable increase from 38 percent in 2023.

Meanwhile, only 18 percent of firms employ a structured hybrid model, and just 23 percent of companies do not provide a physical office space, down from 37 percent the previous year.

Large tech companies like Dell and Google have faced significant backlash over their RTO policies, leading to reconsiderations at the executive level. Despite predictions of a full return to office, hybrid work remains the preferred approach for both employees and employers.

Sheila Flavell, CBE, COO of FDM Group, emphasised that the low adoption of full-time office mandates—now at only 3% of firms—underscores the growing significance of workplace flexibility. She also pointed out that a substantial portion of Gen Z and Millennials, according to FDM Group’s recent whitepaper, would consider quitting their jobs if required to return to the office full-time.

That being said, Flavell warns that it is still important to find a balance:

Gen Z, for example, still values the opportunity to be in the office in order to learn from senior team members and develop their knowledge and skills alongside those who have already climbed the career ladder. In-person also strengthens training such as experiential learning, making it easier for businesses to create simulated learning environments and support staff in developing essential digital skills and gain hands-on experience with the tools they’ll use daily.

Sheila Flavell, CBE, COO of FDM Group

The trend towards flexible work arrangements continues to gain momentum, with the majority of companies recognising the need to adapt to the evolving preferences of their workforce. While workplace flexibility is crucial, a balanced approach that also considers the benefits of in-person interactions remains essential, particularly for fostering learning and development among younger employees.

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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