It’s one of the biggest talking points in recruitment right now - hybrid working.
Since the pandemic, the way we work has changed for good. Most candidates we speak to tell us the same thing: they don’t want to be in the office five days a week anymore. They’ve found their rhythm working a few days from home - getting more done, avoiding long commutes, and spending a bit more time with family or on personal wellbeing.
For many people, hybrid working isn’t seen as a “nice-to-have” anymore - it’s an expectation. It’s often one of the first questions candidates ask us: “What’s the company’s hybrid policy?” If the answer is “five days in the office,” we can almost guarantee some great talent will quietly bow out of the process.
On the other hand, many employers are now trying to bring teams back together full-time. And their reasons make sense - they want to rebuild company culture, encourage collaboration, and strengthen communication. Face-to-face time can be valuable, especially for creativity, mentoring, and connection.
But here’s the reality: companies insisting on full-time office work are finding it harder to attract and retain top talent. Roles are taking longer to fill, and candidates are choosing competitors who offer more flexibility.
We’re seeing the opposite for businesses that embrace a balanced hybrid model - usually two or three days in the office. They’re attracting more applicants, keeping employees engaged, and seeing better long-term results.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the key is listening. The best employers are the ones who ask their teams what works and adapt accordingly. It’s about trust, not just attendance.
Here, we see it every day: when flexibility and communication go hand in hand, everyone wins employers, employees, and teams alike.
The future of work isn’t fully remote or fully in-office. It’s somewhere in between. And the companies that get that balance right are the ones shaping a happier, more productive workforce for the future.
