CEOs Push for Return to In-Office Work: KPMG

A KPMG survey reveals that 83% of global CEOs anticipate a full return to in-office work within three years, indicating a stronger preference among executives for traditional workplace models over flexible work policies established during the COVID-19 crisis. However, this reflects a “widening gap” between executive and employee perceptions of workplace environments, posing a negotiation challenge with implications for organizational competitiveness.

The survey, conducted in July and August 2024 with responses from 1,300 chief executives, reveals generational and gender divides in attitudes toward workplace environments. Among CEOs aged 60-69, 87% expect a full return to the office, with 83% of those aged 50-59 shared this belief. In contrast, only 75% of CEOs aged 40-49 anticipate the same shift. 

 Similarly, a divide exists along gender lines, with 84% of male CEOs supporting a full return to the office, compared to 78% of female executives. This discrepancy may be influenced by the added responsibilities many female executives face at home, as they often balance professional obligations with household duties, reports Chief Executive. As a result, female leaders may better understand the need for flexible work options, aligning with employees' desires for a healthier work-life balance.

 “The successful leaders of tomorrow will be those who understand that their talent dilemma can only be solved by investing in, nurturing and supporting talent through a ‘social contract’ that understands today’s employees do not just desire, but expect a more agile, flexible working environment and a better work-life balance — especially in the midst of a pervasive cost of living crisis,” said Nhlamu Dlomu, Global Head of People, KPMG International.

Nonetheless, the trend toward a full return to office settings is already gaining momentum, exemplified by Amazon's recent announcement from CEO Andy Jassy, who declared that corporate employees will be required to return to the office five days a week by January 2025 to foster collaboration and strengthen company culture, as reported by MBN.  In a similar vein, Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla  criticized remote work, calling it "morally wrong." 

According to SHRM, CEOs are advocating for this transition due to concerns about diminished collaboration, innovation, and productivity, as well as inadequate supervision and training for younger employees during remote work. Furthermore, they highlight the financial strain of maintaining vacant office spaces, underscoring the complexities inherent in the shift back to traditional workplace models.

As organizations navigate the complexities of post-pandemic work environments, remote work remains a crucial element in job searches, reports MBN. A survey by Robert Half reveals that over 40% of workers lose interest in job ads that do not offer a remote work option.