The Future of Work: Will Office Life Ever Fully Return?

Jun 19

The global work landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation as companies, employees, and economies continue to recalibrate their expectations post-pandemic. Central to this shift is the ongoing debate around returning fully to the office versus embracing remote or hybrid work models. While global trends point toward a push for office re-entry, the South African context reflects a more measured, flexible approach—suggesting that hybrid work may indeed be here to stay.

Global Trend: The Push to Return to the Office

Internationally, a growing number of large organisations are enforcing stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies. A 2024 survey by Resume Builder revealed that 90% of global companies planned to implement some form of mandatory in-office work by the end of that year—with nearly 30% willing to terminate employees who refuse to comply (Forbes, 2024).

High-profile companies such as Meta, Google, and Goldman Sachs have adopted firm in-office policies. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, for instance, stated that employees are expected in the office at least three days per week, or they risk disciplinary consequences. The justification? Many executives argue that physical office spaces foster stronger collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.

A global executive survey by Korn Ferry found that two-thirds of 15,000 leaders believe corporate culture contributes over 30% to a company’s market value (Forbes, 2024). These leaders express concern that the synergy of in-person collaboration is difficult—if not impossible—to replicate remotely.

Employees Push Back: Hybrid is the Preferred Model

Despite the corporate push, employees across the globe consistently favour hybrid models. A 2023 Bankrate survey showed that 68% of full-time employees in the U.S. prefer hybrid arrangements, citing improved work-life balance, reduced commuting stress, and greater autonomy.

Moreover, a Jobera study indicated that 25% of workers would consider quitting rather than returning to full-time office work. This signals a strong disconnect between employer expectations and employee priorities—especially among knowledge workers and younger professionals who value flexibility.

South Africa: A Cautious Yet Flexible Approach

South African organisations have been slower and more deliberate in enforcing RTO mandates. A Michael Page South Africa survey found that 53% of workers would ideally prefer working remotely three to four days per week. Yet, data from CareerJunction (2023) shows that only 3% of job listings in the country offer remote or hybrid options—highlighting a gap between demand and employer offerings.

Nonetheless, some of South Africa’s leading employers are bridging this gap successfully. Companies such as Sanlam, Momentum Metropolitan, and Absa have been recognised by the Top Employers Institute for their commitment to hybrid work models.

Sanlam scored highly in categories like purpose and ethics by incorporating employee feedback into its flexible work strategy. “We recognise that the needs of our employees are constantly changing,” said Sana-Ullah Bray, Sanlam’s Group Executive for Human Capital.
Momentum Metropolitan has implemented a digital-first, human-centric approach, using their "ThinkHumanFirst" philosophy to improve flexibility while ensuring productivity.
Absa’s hybrid policy has been linked to an increase in boomerang hires, with Chief People Officer Jeanett Modise noting that employees are returning due to the company’s inclusive and adaptable culture.

Hybrid vs Office: A Balanced View

Hybrid Work

✅ Flexibility and autonomy

✅ Improved work-life balance

✅ Reduced commuting time

❌ Risk of employee isolation

❌ Harder to maintain culture remotely

❌ Infrastructure dependence

In-Office Work

✅ Stronger team cohesion

✅ Real-time mentorship and collaboration

✅ Easier performance monitoring

❌ Higher stress from commuting

❌ Less personal flexibility

❌ Increased operational costs

While hybrid models offer compelling benefits, they are not without challenges. Maintaining culture, driving collaboration, and ensuring equitable treatment of remote vs. in-office staff require proactive management and clear communication.

Future Outlook: The Hybrid Sweet Spot

Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that a full-scale return to the traditional office will dominate. While certain global companies continue to push for in-person presence, the employee-driven preference for flexibility remains a powerful force.

South African businesses, in particular, are well-positioned to lead in this space—especially those willing to invest in reliable digital infrastructure and create human-centric hybrid policies. Rather than viewing hybrid work as a pandemic-era necessity, leading employers are beginning to see it as a strategic advantage.

As workplaces evolve, those that successfully balance structure with flexibility—by offering clear expectations, meaningful in-person engagement, and autonomy—will not only retain top talent, but emerge as employers of choice in an increasingly competitive labour market.

References:

Forbes (2024). How The In-Office Vs. Remote Debate Is Shaping The Future Of Work – William Arruda.
Moonstone Information Refinery (2024). Top Employers Benefit from Bridging the Hybrid Work Gap.
CareerJunction Employment Insights Report (2023).
Michael Page South Africa Survey (2022).
Korn Ferry Global Executive Survey (2022).
Bankrate (2023). U.S. Workers Still Prefer Hybrid.
Resume Builder (2024). Return to Office Survey.
Reuters (2025). BNY Mellon Mandates Four-Day Office Workweek.
New York Post (2025). Uber CEO on RTO Compliance.
Business Insider (2025). Big Four Firms Retain Hybrid Flexibility.

Beatrice Fassler