Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, is advocating for his employees to return to work five days a week, joining an increasing number of top executives with similar sentiments. A recent survey by KPMG revealed that 79% of global CEOs envisage their teams fully returned to the office within the next three years. This is a massive shift from earlier this year when only 34% of chief executives predicted a completely office-based workforce.
According to the same study, only 17% of the CEOs expect their employees to adopt a hybrid working model in three years, a decline from the earlier 46%. The survey garnered responses from 1,300 CEOs of significant global companies, with 400 based in the U.S.
The concept of "flexibility" continues to be a focal point, despite the increasing predilection towards an all-inclusive return to office suggested by Paul Knopp, KPMG US Chair and CEO. To encourage in-person working, 86% of the CEOs in the survey are ready to offer incentives such as rewarding with priority assignments, pay raises, or promotions.
Several leading companies, including banks like JPMorgan Chase, retail giant Walmart, and Amazon, have already called for a full return to the office. However, supporters of the remote working model can find comfort in the fact that a complete shift back to office work might not occur swiftly. Recent reports from office furniture maker Steelcase indicate a decrease in quarterly orders as remote and hybrid work setups continue to be favored, presenting a practical hurdle to CEOs' plans.