More Than Half Of American Workers Plan To Return To The Office In 2025, Survey Finds

A majority of employed Americans expect to be working fully in-office this year, signaling a continued shift away from remote work, according to a new survey.

The poll of 1,000 employed Americans conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek revealed that 57% plan to work entirely on-site in 2025. Meanwhile, 25% intend to work remotely full-time, and 18% expect to follow a hybrid schedule that splits time between home and the office.

Preferences varied across generations. Gen Z respondents were the most likely to prefer full-time remote work (28%), while 63% of baby boomers expressed a strong preference for working fully in the office. Millennials and Gen Z workers were equally likely — at 55% each — to anticipate working remotely in 2025, while another 19% of Millennials and 16% of Gen Z anticipate a hybrid format.

The data also showed that 70% of respondents are currently employed full-time, with 17% working part-time and 13% self-employed. Men were more likely than women to report working full-time (76% vs. 64%). Millennials had the highest full-time employment rate at 77%, followed by Gen X (70%), Gen Z (69%), and baby boomers (55%).

Tamanna Ramesh, founder of Spark Careers, told Newsweek that evolving employee expectations are driving a reevaluation of workplace structures.

“Gen Z and the silent generation favor remote work, but for different reasons,” she told the outlet. “Younger workers value flexibility and work-life integration, while older workers appreciate reduced commutes and comfort.”

Ramesh said rigid workplace policies could lead to higher turnover, especially among younger workers, and that the best workplaces in 2025 will be defined by “flexibility and adaptability.”

“Organizations embracing hybrid or remote-first models are better positioned to attract and retain top talent,” she said. “By 2025, hybrid work will likely dominate, with flexibility as a key competitive advantage.”

As employers look to the year ahead, the survey suggests that adaptability may be the key to maintaining a satisfied and productive workforce.