Office return policies reshape the workforce

A growing number of businesses are tightening their onsite requirements, with nearly half expecting all staff to be in the workplace within a year. For manufacturers and consumer-facing firms, this shift is already well underway, driven by perceptions that in-person operations boost productivity. Yet, for almost one in ten SMEs, the change has cost them talent.

The data shows hybrid working remains entrenched in many B2B service models, but the balance is shifting. Leaders face a strategic choice—maintain flexibility to attract and retain skilled teams or capitalise on the perceived gains of bringing everyone together. The decision will have lasting implications for culture, performance, and competitiveness in a tightening market.

Read the full article to explore the implications for business performance and workforce strategy.