Employer and employee expectations on hybrid work are converging

More stringent return-to-office mandates have been issued by company executives in recent months, which is helping drive office occupancy to post-pandemic highs. Overall office attendance has climbed to 50% of pre-pandemic levels overall and routinely exceed 60% for more active days midweek.

Most employers have shown a willingness to offer some locational flexibility as part of more comprehensive hybrid work programs. Last week, Amazon announced plans for a mandatory 3 day per week RTO plan effective May 1, following other companies that have implemented 3+2 hybrid approaches. Over the past few years, expectations by employers and employees have narrowed, suggesting that 3+2 hybrid programs are becoming the norm, albeit with significant variability based on industry and job function.

Office-using employees value the flexibility of a hybrid schedule across all demographics, including age, gender, race and education level. According to surveys, employees would accept a 7% pay cut to guarantee a hybrid option.

Based on GDP per capita data, the dip in productivity that many felt working from home in 2020 seems to have dissipated. The ability to create dedicated workspace and avoid distractions from children learning from home have been citied as drivers of improved productivity.