How 2026 Could be the Year the RTO and WFH Debate Gets Settled

"The International Workplace Group (IWG), a Swiss-based provider of hybrid workplaces, found that 83 percent of U.S. CEOs already allow their workers to log in from multiple locales, including sites like coworking offices that may be nearer to their residence. The IWG, leaping off this data, branded 2026 as the year when people will "work from an office" rather than " the office.""

"Why would a boss favor this type of working arrangement? The IWG survey found that hybrid or flexible working patterns result in increased productivity (with 49 percent of CEOs feeling this way.) Meanwhile, 47 percent of CEOs say offering nontraditional work hours also allows then to appeal to a broader job candidate pool, and some 45 percent say it allows cost savings. Some 45 percent say the benefits also allow increased revenues, and they also cite the benefits of a reduced carbon footprint"

"Human resources leaders feel a little different, IWG's data show, with 43 percent saying increased productivity is the top reason that hybrid work is best. Profitability was also cited by 43 percent of the survey respondents, and 40 percent pointed to "employee well-being." These HR leaders also said that flexible working arrangements could boost company culture and help to retain working mothers or caregivers on staff. Retaining staff is a positive effect, due to secondary costs of recruiting replacements,"

Many employees and some business leaders clash over return-to-office policies while research shows strong support for hybrid and remote models. IWG found 83 percent of U.S. CEOs allow workers to log in from multiple locales, including nearby coworking sites, and framed 2026 as the year people will "work from an office" rather than " the office." CEOs cite benefits: 49 percent note increased productivity, 47 percent broaden candidate pools, 45 percent expect cost savings and increased revenues, and lower carbon footprints. HR leaders emphasize productivity, profitability, employee well-being, culture, and retaining caregivers, which reduces recruiting costs.

Read at Inc