Tide Shifts Against Office Return Resistors

The Shift Back to Office Work in the US

In a significant shift from recent trends, more than half of the Fortune 100 companies have now mandated that employees return to the office five days a week. This marks a dramatic change from just two years ago, when only 5 percent of these companies required a full return to the office. Today, 54 percent of Fortune 100 companies are fully in-office, while 41 percent offer flexible work arrangements.

Larger corporations are at the forefront of this movement, while smaller businesses continue to favor remote or hybrid models. Companies like Starbucks have recently required their corporate staff in Seattle to return to the headquarters for at least four days a week. Similarly, tech giants such as Google and Amazon have also pushed for in-person work, citing productivity benefits.

Real Estate Trends and Challenges

The real estate market is experiencing a split. High-end rents in cities like Miami, New York City, and San Francisco are reaching record highs. However, office vacancies across the country remain stubbornly high, with over 22 percent of office space unused. In the last quarter alone, the amount of available office space has decreased by 700,000 square feet, according to data from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). This decline is attributed to demolitions and the conversion of office buildings into residential units.

Large corporations can afford to invest in modern, luxurious buildings with amenities designed to attract employees back to the office. Smaller firms, however, face challenges in maintaining such spaces, especially when employees are reluctant to visit older buildings.

Hybrid Work Remains Popular

Despite the push for in-office work, many companies continue to maintain flexible policies. According to Gallup Poll data, 51 percent of employees with remote-capable jobs were working in a hybrid model in 2025, slightly down from 52 percent in 2023. Similarly, 28 percent of employees worked exclusively from home in 2025, compared to 29 percent in 2023.

Experts suggest that larger companies can afford to be more rigid in their policies because they have the resources to replace lost talent. Mark Ma, an associate professor of business administration at the University of Pittsburgh, noted that companies like Amazon can lose thousands of workers without significant issues. He explained that there is still a steady stream of young graduates eager to work for major corporations due to their prestige and opportunities.

In contrast, smaller firms struggle to recover if they lose key employees, as it may be difficult to find someone who can fill those roles.

Gen Z's Preference for Office Work

Interestingly, data from JLL shows that Gen Z employees, often perceived as less committed to traditional work environments, are actually the most eager to return to the office. Those born between 1997 and 2012 attend the office 3.1 days a week, compared to 2.5 to 2.7 days for older age groups. Many Gen Z workers have only experienced remote or hybrid work since entering the workforce during or after the pandemic.

This trend highlights a generational shift in workplace preferences and underscores the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce. As companies navigate these changes, the balance between in-office and remote work continues to shape the future of employment in the United States.