As we reach the end of 2025 I thought it would be a good time to bring up reflecting on how much the workplace has changed since COVID and whether that change is starting to swing back the other way. We’re still very much in the middle of an ongoing debate between office-based working and working from home, but the market trends I’m seeing are becoming increasingly clear.

What the Market Looks Like Now

The vast majority of organisations I work with currently operate on a 3/2 split, three days in the office and two days working from home. That model has become the norm for many businesses.

However, based on what I’m seeing across the market, I strongly suspect that throughout 2025 this will continue to shift towards four days in the office and one day at home. In fact, some organisations have already returned to five days a week in the office and have made it clear that this is how they intend to operate moving forward.

The Reality for Job Seekers

Of course, you can decide that this isn’t for you. You can choose to resist it, prioritise flexibility, and protect the work-life balance you’ve built over the last few years. That’s a personal choice, and a completely valid one.

However, it’s important to be honest about the consequences. The number of fully remote roles is now extremely limited. Roles requiring only one or two days a week in the office are becoming increasingly rare. From a recruitment perspective, the pool of opportunities shrinks significantly the more restrictive your working preferences become.

This Isn’t a Value Judgement

This isn’t about whether working from home is good or bad. Many people argue, and rightly so, that they are more productive at home. Others value the flexibility and quality of life it provides. I’m not disputing any of that.

What I am saying is this: don’t shoot the messenger! I’m simply sharing the trend I’m seeing across the market. Increasingly, companies are expecting their people to spend more time in the office, regardless of individual preference.

Making Informed Career Decisions

You are absolutely entitled to make choices that suit your lifestyle and priorities. Just be mindful that those choices may limit the roles available to you. Understanding how the market is moving allows you to make informed decisions, whether that’s embracing the shift back to the office or consciously accepting a smaller pool of opportunities in exchange for flexibility.

Unless there’s another major shift, this is the direction the market appears to be heading. What you do with that information is entirely up to you.

Key Takeaways

• The dominant model remains three days in the office, two at home

• Many businesses are moving towards four or five days in the office

• Fully remote roles are now very limited

• Flexibility choices may reduce the number of available opportunities

• Understanding market trends helps inform better career decisions