- Around half of companies no longer offer fully remote roles.
- 42 % of businesses have increased the number of office days over the past 12 months.
- Almost one in five managers would consider linking pay and promotions to in-office attendance.
Germany is witnessing a clear trend towards a return to the office. According to a recent survey by Robert Walters, 42 % of companies have increased the number of in-office working days in the past 12 months. Particularly in industries that rely on teamwork and personal interaction, physical presence in the office is viewed as essential. At the same time, nearly half of companies no longer advertise fully remote positions, signalling a shift in working models.
This trend is also evident in the number of remote job vacancies. According to data from index Internet and Media Research GmbH, there were 1,235 remote positions advertised in November 2022, but by September 2024, this figure had fallen to 873. This highlights that many businesses are increasingly prioritising physical presence, leading to a decline in demand for remote working opportunities.
Policy Shift at Major Tech Companies
Several major tech companies, including Tesla, Amazon, and IBM, have already enforced a strict return-to-office policy. Tesla and Amazon, for instance, require their employees to work at least 40 hours per week in the office, while IBM expects its US executives to be onsite for at least three days a week. This reflects growing pressure on workforces to be more present in the office.
Measures Taken by Companies
Many organisations are concerned that long-term remote working could negatively affect productivity and team cohesion. Six percent of companies surveyed are already in discussions about a full return to the office. Many executives believe that collaboration in the office is more efficient and that innovation is fostered when employees are regularly present in person.
To attract new hires who prefer working onsite, 36 % of surveyed companies are adjusting their recruitment processes. The proximity of candidates’ residences is also taken into account to ensure that new employees can integrate well into the team and work productively. Eighteen percent of respondents even believe it would be beneficial to link pay or promotions to in-office attendance. Large employers such as Google and PwC have already started monitoring their employees’ attendance and incorporating it into performance evaluations.
Carrot Over Stick: Hybrid Models as a Compromise
However, few companies are mandating a strict return to the office. “Most businesses have understood that flexibility is not a passing trend but a permanent shift in the world of work,” says Gerrit Bouckaert, CEO of Robert Walters. According to a Robert Walters survey, over 70 % of employees find hybrid work models the most appealing. Bouckaert adds: “The option to switch flexibly between home and office has proven to be a significant advantage for employees. This is especially true for parents and those with long commutes, who benefit from hybrid models that allow for a better work-life balance. For these groups, a mandatory return to the office could be a considerable burden, whether due to the need for childcare or the costs and time associated with regular commuting.”
Bouckaert warns against rushing the return to the office, as it could harm long-term employer attractiveness, particularly among younger generations for whom flexible working models are a key factor in job choice. Instead of imposing strict mandates, companies should focus on creating positive incentives to draw employees back to the office. Already, 45 % of businesses are offering perks such as free meals, modern office environments, or additional benefits.
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