After a historic rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is now steadily declining as more companies push for a return to the office. Employers across industries are scaling back flexible work policies, citing the need for in-person collaboration, productivity concerns, and shifting corporate strategies. This trend marks a significant shift from the height of the pandemic, when remote jobs became a lifeline for businesses and workers alike. As hybrid and full-time office models regain dominance, the era of widespread remote work may be coming to a close.
After the initial, rapid transition to fully remote work in 2020, data shows that a more balanced approach has taken hold. A recent survey from Gallup indicates that as of mid-2025, 51% of remote-capable U.S. employees are working in a hybrid environment, while 28% are exclusively remote, and 21% are fully on-site. This suggests that the “back-to-office” movement is less about a complete reversal and more about establishing a new norm that combines the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration. Many employers and employees see the value in this arrangement. Employers can save on real estate costs and access a wider talent pool, while employees benefit from improved work-life balance and less commuting. The shift is so prevalent that some sources suggest the share of new hybrid job postings is on the rise.
Despite the popularity of hybrid work, many large corporations have issued strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates. Tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google, as well as financial firms such as JPMorgan Chase, have required employees to come into the office for a set number of days a week. Some companies, like Dell and AT&T, have even mandated a five-day-a-week return for certain roles. These policies are often driven by a belief that in-person work fosters a stronger company culture, improves communication, and enhances productivity. The federal government has also been a key driver of RTO policies, with the number of federal employees working fully on-site more than doubling the national average.
Why Remote Jobs Are Less Common:
- Employer Leverage: As the labor market has become less tight, the balance of power has shifted back to employers. With more candidates available, companies can be less flexible with their work arrangements.
- Economic Uncertainty: A more uncertain economic climate has led some companies to rein in hiring and opt for more traditional, in-person structures to ensure oversight and productivity.
- Logistical Challenges: For international hiring in particular, managing a fully distributed workforce can be complex due to varying tax laws, legal requirements, and payroll complexities.
The decline in remote job availability has created a “remote work gap,” where the demand for remote work from employees remains high, even as the supply of such roles diminishes. For example, while about a quarter of professionals want fully remote roles, the availability of these jobs is much lower.
This tension between worker preference and employer policy is a defining characteristic of the post-pandemic labor market.
