The return to office trend

What is hybrid working?

A growing number of companies are shifting away from allowing their staff to work remotely or in a hybrid model and are requiring employees to return to the office full-time. This trend has significant implications for corporate life and perhaps suggests a move back to the traditional way that work was organised before the pandemic.

The rise of office mandates

Following the widespread adoption of remote work during the pandemic, many companies initially embraced hybrid models, offering employees a mix of in-office and remote work. However, in 2025, a noticeable shift is underway, with several major corporations implementing stricter return-to-office policies.

Companies such as Amazon, Dell, AT&T and JPMorgan Chase have announced or implemented full-time in-office requirements. Other companies such as Boots, Disney, HSBC and Manchester United have also ordered staff back to the office. Although these are huge names in the corporate world, many other big companies are sticking with the hybrid model, with the big four accounting firms committing to remaining with flexible work arrangements recently.

Companies give various reasons for prioritising in-office work, including the benefits of in-person collaboration, culture-building, mentorship, and improved productivity. Some CEOs believe that in-person interaction grows stronger team culture and enhances communication.

Advantages and disadvantages of full-time office work

Compared to hybrid or remote work, full-time office work presents both advantages and disadvantages for employees and employers. In terms of advantages, offices provide a dedicated workspace, potentially minimising distractions and promoting focus. In-person working can facilitate spontaneous discussions, quicker problem solving and stronger team cohesion.

Commuting to an office can create a physical and mental boundary between work and home, aiding work life balance for some people. Offices offer direct access to equipment, meeting rooms, and other resources that may not be readily available remotely. In-office environments can provide more opportunities for mentorship and guidance as well as social interaction.

On the negative side, there are a number of potential drawbacks to requiring staff to be in the office full time. Daily commutes can be time consuming, costly and stressful. Fixed office hours may reduce work life balance and make it challenging to accommodate personal appointments or unexpected events. Office environments could enable worker conflicts, gossip and other distractions.

Rigid schedules and a lack of flexibility can increase stress and negatively impact wellbeing. Companies requiring full-time in-office work may restrict their access to a diverse talent pool, potentially missing out on talented professionals who prefer remote or hybrid arrangements.

The role of desk booking software, hot desking, and hybrid working

Even with the return-to-office trend, many companies are seeking to optimise their office space and accommodate flexible work arrangements through strategies like hot desking and hybrid working. Desk booking software plays a crucial role in managing these approaches. Desk booking software allows employees to reserve desks or workspaces when they need them, enabling efficient use of office space in hybrid environments. They often integrate with communication platforms like Microsoft Teams.

Hot desking involves employees using any available desk rather than having assigned workstations. Desk booking software is essential for managing hot desking, allowing employees to see desk availability and book spaces. Hybrid working combines in-office and remote work. Desk booking systems help employees coordinate their in-office days and book desks near colleagues or within their team for collaboration and ease of communication.

The return-to-office trend reflects a complex interplay of factors, with companies weighing the perceived benefits of in-person work against the advantages of flexible arrangements. While some organisations prioritise full-time office presence, others are leveraging desk booking software and hybrid models to optimise their workspaces and accommodate employee preferences. As the workplace continues to evolve, companies and professionals must adapt to find the most effective and sustainable approaches to work. Although it grabs media attention when a large company announces a return to the office mandate, hybrid working is still the predominant model for UK companies.