The corporate push for return-to-office (RTO) policies remains a defining trend for businesses navigating post-pandemic operations. A new survey by Resume.org of 900 business leaders reveals that existing office lease agreements are a significant driver in requiring employees back to physical offices, with 1 in 3 companies acknowledging lease commitments shape their RTO decisions.
Major Findings:
1. 3 in 4 companies will require employees to work at least three days per week in the office in 2025.
2. Nearly 30% of companies will mandate a full five-day workweek.
3. Lease agreements influence half of companies leasing office space, affecting 35% of all surveyed organizations.
4. 1 in 10 companies plans to relax or eliminate RTO policies when their leases expire.
Existing Leases Drive RTO Policies
The survey highlights that office leases remain a binding factor for many organizations, particularly those with long-term agreements signed pre-pandemic. Nearly two-thirds of companies surveyed currently lease office space, with 48% of these leases extending into 2028 or later.
For businesses that secured office leases during a period of full on-site work—primarily pre-2020—the financial obligation to maintain and utilize the space often outweighs operational flexibility. Ali Zane, CEO of Imax Credit Repair, emphasized the advantages of in-person collaboration:
“While remote work proved functional, face-to-face interactions reassured clients during high-stakes consultations. Our team thrives on in-person brainstorming sessions where complex strategies are developed collaboratively. The energy of a room often inspires solutions that don’t materialize over video calls.”
Despite employee pushback in some industries, 49% of business leaders are unconcerned about resignations stemming from RTO mandates, further solidifying their lease-driven office strategies.
Post-Lease Expirations: Opportunities for Flexibility
As leases expire, businesses are recalibrating their space needs:
• 23% of companies plan to decrease office space.
• Of these, 32% will reduce mandatory in-office days.
• 8% plan to fully eliminate RTO policies.
Kwame Darko, a commercial real estate investor, noted the financial incentives tied to reducing office footprints:
“Leasing large office spaces represents a significant overhead. Post-pandemic, businesses have a chance to realign space needs with hybrid models, improving cost optimization and supporting employee flexibility.”
Matt Morgan, a commercial real estate expert, further emphasized that shobrter leases and flexible workspace models are becoming increasingly popular. He shared:
“I’ve worked with companies downsizing by up to 30% after lease renewals. This strategy not only reduces costs but allows reinvestment in technology and remote work infrastructure.”
Key Drivers Behind RTO Policies
While leases play a prominent role, additional factors fuel the RTO movement:
• 69% prioritize collaboration and teamwork.
• 58% aim to improve communication.
• 51% focus on strengthening company culture.
• 40% seek to maximize their existing office space investment.
For some industries, particularly those dependent on face-to-face interaction or brainstorming, office presence remains essential. However, the survey findings suggest a shift is coming: as more leases expire, businesses will increasingly prioritize flexibility, cost-efficiency, and employee preferences.
Conclusion: An Evolving Office Landscape
While lease agreements anchor current RTO policies for many organizations, the expiration of long-term leases presents an opportunity to reassess office space strategies. The future of work will likely continue its shift toward hybrid models, shorter leases, and optimized physical spaces that align with employee demands and operational needs.
Businesses that adapt to this evolving landscape stand to benefit from enhanced cost savings, improved employee satisfaction, and greater operational efficiency in a hybrid-first world.
Methodology: The findings are based on a survey conducted by Resume.org in November 2024 using the Pollfish platform, collecting responses from 900 business leaders at organizations with active RTO policies.
