60% of U.S. Workers Foresee More Return-to-Office Mandates in 2025, Survey Reveals

As employees adapt to post-pandemic work environments, the debate over return-to-office (RTO) mandates continues to stir workplace tensions. Recently, President Trump added to the conversation by signing an executive order requiring all federal employees to return to onsite work, further intensifying discussions about the future of work arrangements.

LiveCareer’s RTO Realities and Predictions Report, which surveyed over 1,000 U.S. workers in January 2025, reveals that although most workers vastly prefer remote work over on-site work, 91% report knowing someone who has been required to return to the office since 2023, with 86% observing negative repercussions for those who resisted. Despite these challenges, workers continue to value the benefits of remote work, prioritizing time/cost savings and improved work-life balance.

Survey highlights:

• 60% of people predict more companies will mandate full-time in-office work in 2025 compared to 2024.
• 91% know someone who has been asked to return to onsite work since 2023.
• 86% reported consequences for resisting RTO mandates:
  • 63% were fired.
  • 23% faced formal reprimands.
• Two-thirds of workers would not trade remote work for a 15% pay raise.
• Mentions of “remote work” on resumes have nearly tripled, rising from 4% in 2018 to 11% in 2025.

RTO Rising: Workers Predict More Full-time Office Mandates

Looking ahead, employees anticipate a continued push for onsite work:

• 60% believe more companies will require full-time in-office work.
• 31% anticipate fewer mandates.
• 9% expect no significant changes.

What this means: The data reveals a workforce divided on the future of RTO policies, with a majority expecting increased mandates but a significant portion hopeful for continued flexibility. This tension underscores the importance of aligning organizational strategies with evolving employee expectations.

RTO Transitions Are In Full Swing

When asked whether they knew anyone who has been asked to return to the office since 2023, 91% of respondents said yes, with 73% knowing one person and 18% knowing multiple people. Only 9% of those surveyed say they don’t know anyone who has been asked to return to onsite work.

What this means: The high number of respondents who have seen others be asked to return to onsite work underscores the widespread nature of return-to-office requests as companies seek to bring employees back to in-person environments.

The Risks of Refusing RTO

For respondents who know someone who refused to comply with RTO policies, 86% say there were repercussions.

• 63% say those who refused to RTO were fired
• 23% faced reprimand
• Only 9% report cases where refusal resulted in no consequences, showing that leniency remains rare.

What this means: Strict enforcement of return-to-office policies reflects companies’ commitment to in-person work, with termination as the most common consequence. However, such rigidity risks harming morale and retention, signaling a need for more balanced approaches to compliance and flexibility.

Why Workers Value Remote Work

The survey highlights several key reasons why employees remain steadfast in their preference for remote and hybrid work:

• 49% value the time savings from no commute.
• 42% appreciate the cost savings on commuting and meals.
• 40% cite flexibility and improved productivity.
• 32% benefit from better work-life balance.
• 20% enjoy avoiding “office-ready” preparation, like attire and grooming.

Additionally, trends in resume data reflect growing interest in remote opportunities. In LiveCareer’s database, mentions of “remote work” on resumes rose from 4% in 2018 to 11% in 2025, nearly tripling over the past seven years.

What this means: Workers prioritize remote and hybrid work due to the tangible benefits it offers, such as saving time and money, enhancing flexibility, and supporting work-life balance. The significant rise in mentions of “remote work” on resumes underscores its growing importance in career preferences. Employers should recognize that remote work is not just a perk but a valued component of modern work culture that aligns with employees’ evolving needs and priorities.

Can Pay Raises Bring Workers Back?

Despite the appeal of remote work, some workers indicated conditions under which they might willingly return to the office:

• 37% would return for a pay raise of at least 15%.
• 35% would trade remote work for a four-day workweek.
• 10% would trade it for unlimited PTO.

What this means: While remote work is highly desirable, some workers are open to returning to the office under specific conditions, such as substantial pay raises or improved scheduling options. These preferences suggest that employees are willing to negotiate but expect meaningful trade-offs. Employers aiming to encourage in-office work must carefully consider offering competitive incentives that address workers’ expectations for both financial and lifestyle benefits.

For press inquiries, contact Elizabeth Buccianti, senior manager, public relations at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.

Methodology

The findings presented were obtained by surveying 1,044 American respondents on January 14, 2025. Participants were queried about their experiences with mandatory RTO mandates and their predictions for the future of remote work. They answered different types of questions, including yes/no, open-ended, scale-based questions where respondents indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options.

About LiveCareer

LiveCareer is the premier career site empowering job seekers to find their path to professional success. Since 2005, LiveCareer has helped over 10 million workers worldwide by offering information, expert guidance, and support to boost their chances of finding a job in less time. This includes providing job seekers with resume templates that can help them build stronger resumes and cover letters. LiveCareer’s extensive suite of career resources also includes interview prep tools and original content to help candidates navigate their job search and target their chosen career path. Stay connected with LiveCareer’s latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.