How to Create a Return to Office Policy to Bring Remote Employees Back for 2025

As we enter 2025, we are witnessing profound changes in workplaces. Companies worldwide are moving away from traditional remote work models and implementing return-to-office (RTO) policies.

Large corporations are leading this trend — Apple, Google, and Goldman Sachs are also advocating for in-office employee presence. They believe that in-person interactions foster creativity and strengthen team dynamics more effectively than virtual meetings.

Employee opinions on RTO are divided. Some are against the return — they find it calmer and more productive to work from home, enjoy balancing work and personal life, and dislike wasting time commuting to the office. Others miss personal interactions, coffee breaks with colleagues, and the workplace environment.

This article will explore how to bring employees back to the office without harming their productivity and loyalty ⬇️

Why Companies Want to Bring All Employees Back to the Office

There are several reasons why companies are eager to bring employees back to the workplace. Primarily, these reasons are tied to business efficiency, corporate culture, and the organization's strategic goals.

🧠 Creating an Environment for Creativity and Idea Generation

In-person communication facilitates more effective idea exchange and accelerates decision-making. In an office setting, employees can interact spontaneously, conduct brainstorming sessions, and collaboratively solve problems, which stimulates innovation.

Google notes that physical presence in the workplace enhances creativity and teamwork. They announced a shift to a hybrid model with mandatory office days a few times a week to boost collaboration.

🤝 Enhancing Employee Interaction

Working together in the office helps maintain and develop corporate values and company culture. Personal interactions promote team cohesion, build trust, and improve communication among employees.

Goldman Sachs insisted on fully RTO, emphasizing that corporate culture cannot be maintained in a remote format. CEO David Solomon called remote work "a deviation that needs to be corrected as soon as possible."

🕵️‍♂️ Increasing Employee Oversight

Some leaders believe that a workplace environment enhances productivity and discipline. Direct oversight and monitoring of work processes allow for prompt resolution of emerging issues and ensure team efficiency.

Tesla mandated employees to full-time. Elon Musk stated that remote work is no longer acceptable, and employees must spend at least 40 hours a week in the office.

💼 Maximizing Office Utilization

Companies have invested significant funds in creating modern office spaces equipped with advanced technologies and employee amenities. Bringing staff back to the workplace allows companies to fully utilize these resources and justify investments in real estate and infrastructure.

Apple built the new Apple Park campus costing $5 billion. In 2022, the company began requiring employees to return to the office to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a modern work environment.

🔒 Better Protecting Corporate Data

Working in the workplace ensures a higher level of protection for confidential information and corporate data. It's easier to control data access and comply with information security requirements in an office environment.

In 2023, JPMorgan Chase announced the need for employees to return to the office to enhance security measures and protect client data.

📚 Training and Developing Staff

In-person mentorship and training in the workplace are especially important for new employees and young professionals. Being present in the office facilitates quicker assimilation of corporate standards and effective knowledge sharing.

Microsoft emphasized the importance of the office environment for talent development and the exchange of experience among employees of different generations.

Why Employees Don’t Want RTO

Not all employees are eager to return to the workplace after a prolonged period of remote work. They appreciated the convenience of working in a comfortable home environment, the ability to manage personal tasks alongside work, and still remain productive. Here are several reasons why employees are reluctant to go back to the office ⬇️

1. Lack of Flexibility in Planning Their Day

Remote work allows employees to structure their day according to personal needs. For example, working from 9AM to 1PM, attending a dental appointment from 1PM to 2PM, working again from 2PM to 5PM, taking a dog walk from 5PM to 6PM, and returning to work from 6PM to 7PM.

2. Time Spent Commuting

Commuting to the workstations consumes significant time, especially in large cities with heavy traffic. It's not only exhausting but also reduces the time employees can dedicate to personal matters or relaxation.

3. Less Personal Space and Comfort

In the workplace, employees often work in open spaces or small work areas, leading to a lack of personal space. This limits comfort and the ability to focus on work without distractions.

4. Higher Levels of Stress and Fatigue

Office work involves constant interactions with colleagues, management, and clients, which can lead to emotional burnout. Noise, frequent meetings, and deadlines increase stress and fatigue levels.

5. Additional Expenses

Working from the office can lead to increased expenses for transportation, meals, clothing, and other necessary everyday items that could be saved on while working remotely.

Hybrid Model — A Compromise Between Corporate Goals and Employee Needs

The hybrid model combines the benefits of both office and remote work, allowing organizations to adapt flexibly to changing market conditions and employee expectations. Here are reasons why adopting a hybrid model strikes a perfect balance:

1. Optimal Balance Between Office and Remote Work

In a hybrid setup, employees can perform tasks that require high concentration in the comfort of their home environment. Meanwhile, team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and idea exchanges take place in the office.

2. More Satisfied and Loyal Employees

With a hybrid model, employees can choose when and where to work. This improves the moral climate — employees feel trusted due to the autonomy provided and are more loyal to management and the company as a whole.

3. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Modern professionals value comfort in the workplace, making the hybrid format a significant advantage in the job market for attracting qualified candidates and a safeguard against employee turnover.

4. Reduced Office Expenses

The hybrid model enables companies to optimize workplace space usage by renting only the necessary number of workstations. This flexibility helps companies quickly adapt to various changes — crisis, structural, and market-related.

What Are the “But” Factors in the Hybrid Model

Despite the obvious advantages of the hybrid model, there are certain challenges and limitations that need to be considered when implementing it. Understanding these "buts" helps companies develop more effective strategies and minimize potential risks.

1. Disrupted Communication Between Office and Remote Employees

In a hybrid environment, there might be a lack of communication between remote and office-based employees, leading to disconnection and reduced team spirit.

Solution: Implement regular video conferences, use collaborative platforms, and encourage open communication channels to ensure all employees feel engaged and informed.

2. Lack of Transparent Workspace Planning

In a hybrid work environment, it's difficult to determine office space availability, leading to double bookings and empty desks.

2. Maintaining Corporate Culture

Splitting employees between office and remote work can weaken corporate culture and reduce engagement levels.

Solution: Organize regular corporate events both online and offline, arrange offsite team-building activities, maintain open dialogue, and encourage all employees to participate in company life.

3. Managing Productivity

Assessing employee performance in a hybrid model can be challenging due to the lack of direct supervision.

Solution: Implement clear performance indicators (KPIs), use task and result monitoring systems, and encourage self-accountability and transparency in work.

4. Work-Life Balance

The flexible model can blur the boundaries between work and personal time, leading to employee burnout.

Solution: Encourage the establishment of clear boundaries, provide opportunities to disconnect from work outside of workplace hours, and offer health and well-being support programs.

5. Fairness and Equal Opportunities

Some employees might find it more convenient to work in the office than others, creating a sense of inequality.

Solution: Develop a policy that ensures equal opportunities for everyone and allows employees to choose their preferred work format: five days in the office or a hybrid model.

6. Logistics and Space Management

Organizing workplace spaces for hybrid work may require additional costs and efforts.

The hybrid work model offers numerous benefits but also demands a careful approach to addressing emerging challenges. Understanding and overcoming the "buts" will help companies create an effective and sustainable work environment that meets both corporate goals and employee needs.

How large companies are experiencing RTO: Flexible and rigorous approaches

In the process of bringing employees back to the office, large companies adopt various strategies, adapting to the unique needs of the business and employee expectations. The main approaches can be divided into two: flexible and strict.

🎯 Flexible Approach: Work Your Way, Just Deliver Results

The flexible RTO approach is based on giving employees the freedom to choose where and when they work, provided they achieve their goals and results.

• Choose Any Workspace: Employees can decide whether to work from the office, home, or use a hybrid model combining both options.
• Flexible Start Times: Allow employees to set their own work hours, promoting a better work-life balance.
• Focus on Results: Employee performance is evaluated based on achieved outcomes, not the time spent in the workplace.
• Increased Engagement: Employees feel greater autonomy and trust from employers, which boosts loyalty and motivation.

Examples of Implementing a Flexible Approach:

• Google offers employees the choice between working in the office or remotely, providing the necessary tools for productive work.
• Microsoft has adopted a hybrid model where employees can work from anywhere in the world, visiting the office as needed for meetings and collaborative projects.

🏢 Strict Approach: Office and Only Office

The strict approach requires all employees to work exclusively from the work areas. This method focuses on maintaining traditional workplace culture and direct interaction among team members.

• Fixed Workstations: All employees work from designated office spaces.
• Strict Work Hours: Clearly defined start and end times without flexibility in the schedule.
• Limited Remote Work Options: Remote work is either excluded or strictly limited to specific cases.
• Emphasis on Teamwork: Highlighting the importance of personal interactions to enhance communication and collaboration.
• Control and Monitoring: More stringent oversight of work processes and time spent in the workplace.

Examples of Implementing a Strict Approach:

• Apple adheres to the traditional work model, emphasizing the importance of personal interactions for innovation and team collaboration.
• Amazon requires employees to work from the office, especially in managerial and project roles, to ensure effective leadership and process control.

How to Ease the Transition from Remote Work to the Office: 5 Ways

To help employees adapt to the new working realities, companies need to focus on supporting them. Here are several ways to achieve this ⬇️

💬 Solicit Employee Feedback

Understanding employee sentiments and expectations allows you to develop an RTO strategy that addresses their needs.

• Develop Anonymous Surveys: Create questionnaires with questions about RTO readiness, preferences for schedules, concerns, and suggestions.
• Offer Participation in Focus Groups: Organize small discussions with representatives from different departments to gain deeper insights into employee sentiments.
• Analyze Results: Use the collected data to make informed decisions and develop an action plan.

⌛ Introduce a Flexible Work Schedule

Temporal flexibility helps employees adapt to new conditions without drastic changes to their daily routine.

• Implement a Hybrid Work Mode: Allow employees to combine office and remote work, such as 2-3 days in the workplace and the rest at home.
• Allow Flexible Start Times: Permit employees to choose their workday start and end times within a certain range to avoid rush hour and accommodate personal circumstances.
• Agree on Individual Work Hours: Consider unique employee situations (family obligations, health) and provide personalized solutions.

👷 Update Office Spaces

A modern and comfortable workplace encourages employees to return and work more diligently.

• Make Workstations More Ergonomic: Provide comfortable chairs, adjustable desks, high-quality monitors, and peripheral devices.
• Zone the Space: Create cozy areas for breaks and informal interactions, equipped with soft furniture and design elements.
• Implement Technological Upgrades: Ensure employees have access to modern collaborative tools, fast Wi-Fi, and video conferencing systems in meeting rooms.

❤️‍🩹 Prioritize Employee Health

Ensuring a safe work environment alleviates fears and builds trust in the employer.

• Sanitation Measures: Regular cleaning, surface disinfection, availability of sanitizers and personal protective equipment.
• Social Distancing: Reorganize workspace layout, install partitions, and limit the number of people in common areas.
• Informational Support: Conduct training on healthy living, disease prevention, and post guidelines and instructions.

🤗 Strengthen Corporate Culture

A strong corporate culture fosters team cohesion and increases employee loyalty.

• Open Dialogue: Regularly communicate with the team, inform them about company plans, and listen to feedback.
• Joint Events: Organize safe corporate events, such as online meetings, webinars, and small offline gatherings adhering to safety measures.
• Support Mental Health: Provide access to psychological support, stress management training, and work-life balance initiatives.

Looking Ahead: What Work Formats Will Be Relevant in 2025

By 2025, work models will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing needs of both companies and employees. It is expected that work formats will become even more flexible, technologically advanced, and focused on employee well-being.

🔄 Enhanced Hybrid Models

The hybrid format will remain dominant, offering employees the ability to combine office and remote work. Companies will strive for an optimal balance, considering the nature of tasks and employee preferences. 

Flexibility in choosing the place and time of work will boost satisfaction and productivity while maintaining corporate culture. Companies will implement more adaptive schedules and offer various options to meet individual needs and improve workflows.

💚 Focus on Well-Being and Mental Health

Companies will place greater emphasis on employee well-being, recognizing its direct impact on productivity and retention. Mental health support programs, flexible schedules, remote work options, and comfortable workplace conditions will become integral parts of corporate policy.

Implementing initiatives to maintain work-life balance, such as wellness days, flexible work hours, and access to psychological support, will become a priority for many organizations.

🤖 Technological Integration and Automation

Technology will continue to play a key role in organizing hybrid work. Implementing advanced tools for virtual collaboration, such as AR/VR for meetings, AI for automating routine tasks, and enhanced data analysis, will become the standard.

Technology will help bridge the gap between remote and office employees, ensuring effective interaction and real-time access to information.

💡 Offices as Centers of Collaboration and Innovation

Offices will transform from traditional workspaces into centers of collaboration, creativity, and learning. Spaces will be optimized for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects, equipped with modern technology and comfortable furniture.

This approach will maximize the effectiveness of time spent in the workplace and stimulate innovation. Spaces will be flexibly adapted to team needs, providing various types of workspaces for different tasks.

🌍 Diversity and Inclusion

Work models will foster an inclusive environment that considers diversity in age, gender, nationality, and other parameters. Flexible work formats will help maintain a balance between personal life and professional duties, providing equal opportunities for all.

Companies will actively promote initiatives for diversity and inclusion, creating working conditions where every employee feels valued and supported.

🍃 Environmental Sustainability

By 2025, environmental factors will become a significant consideration when choosing work formats. Companies will aim to reduce their carbon footprint, optimize resource use, and adopt sustainable practices.

Hybrid work helps reduce the need for daily commutes, positively impacting the environment. Implementing energy-efficient technologies, using renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials will become the standard for many organizations.

Conclusion: A Comfortable Return to the Office

• A successful return to the office in 2025 requires a strategic approach that balances corporate goals with employee needs.
• By adopting a hybrid model, upgrading workspaces, prioritizing health and safety, strengthening corporate culture, and leveraging technology, companies can create a productive and fulfilling work environment.
• Emphasizing flexibility, well-being, and inclusivity will allow RTO to boost both business efficiency and employee satisfaction, paving the way for sustainable success in a changing work environment.

By 2025, many companies are choosing hybrid models, where employees come into the office some days and work remotely on others. In short, remote work remains, but partial in-office work is regaining focus as companies seek a balance between physical proximity and productivity.

FAQ about Return to the Office (RTO)