As in-office attendance reaches post-pandemic high, HR should reconsider what employees want from their work life

"This year, in-office attendance reached its highest level since 2020, with 72% of US companies reaching their RTO goals, up from 61% in 2024, data from real estate group CBRE found. (At the same time, the rate of companies tracking in-office attendance hit 69%, up from 45% the year prior.) And some employers, most recently Microsoft and NBCUniversal, have also upped their RTO requirements, the Washington Post reported."

"Flexible working arrangements, for example, are a top priority for most workers. They could promote work-life balance and employee engagement, especially among caregivers and disabled workers. More than half (57%) of employees worldwide think flexible work can improve quality of life, a recent report from JLL found, but only 49% reported that they have flexibility."

"Younger employees are more likely to view an RTO mandate favorably. Some 81% of young participants in JLL's research said that being in the office gives them opportunities for professional development and leadership visibility. Office experience is also important: 40% of employees reported wanting a better office experience, JLL found, especially when it comes to their commute, workspace, and amenities."

In-office attendance reached its highest level since 2020, with 72% of US companies meeting return-to-office goals and 69% of companies tracking attendance. Some employers, including Microsoft and NBCUniversal, increased RTO requirements. Organizations are adjusting mandates to balance culture, collaboration, learning, and innovation, with further policy tweaks expected. Flexible working arrangements remain a top priority: 57% of employees worldwide view flexibility as improving quality of life, while only 49% report having it. Younger employees (81%) see office presence as offering professional-development and leadership-visibility opportunities. Forty percent of employees want a better office experience, especially regarding commute, workspace, and amenities, and employers should consider how to "earn the commute."

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