What's Happening?
The corporate landscape is experiencing a shift in the 'Return to Office' (RTO) strategies, moving from a focus on location to time. According to JLL's Workforce Preference Barometer 2025, the critical conflict between employers and employees now centers around autonomy over working hours rather than physical presence. Structured hybrid policies have become the norm, with 66% of global office workers having clear expectations on attendance days. However, employees are increasingly demanding control over their schedules, prioritizing work-life balance over salary. This shift is reshaping the talent market, with flexible working hours seen as a key factor in improving quality of life. The report highlights a 'flexibility gap,' where 57% of employees believe
flexible hours would enhance their lives, yet only 49% have access to this benefit. The urgency for time flexibility is driven by a crisis of exhaustion, with nearly 40% of global office workers feeling overwhelmed.
Why It's Important?
The shift from location to time in RTO strategies is significant as it reflects changing employee priorities and impacts talent retention. Work-life balance has overtaken salary as the leading priority for office workers globally, indicating a profound shift in needs. Employers face the risk of breaking the 'psychological contract' with employees, leading to disengagement and increased attrition. The demand for flexible working hours is linked to burnout, which poses a serious threat to operations. Companies that fail to adapt may struggle with retention, as employees seek better career development and reskilling opportunities. The report suggests that successful organizations are moving towards 'tailored flexibility,' emphasizing autonomy over working hours. This approach not only supports employee well-being but also aligns with the evolving expectations of the workforce.
What's Next?
To address the flexibility gap and prevent burnout, companies are encouraged to abandon 'one-size-fits-all' approaches and adopt tailored flexibility strategies. This includes extending office access hours, implementing smart lighting, and utilizing space-booking systems to support asynchronous schedules. Employers must recognize the importance of emotional well-being and a clear sense of purpose for long-term retention. As the demand for flexible working hours grows, companies may need to reevaluate their policies and offer short-notice paid leave for caregivers. The shift towards temporal autonomy is expected to continue reshaping the talent market, with organizations that prioritize employee agency likely to gain a competitive edge.
