March 13, 2025
Many companies are going back to the office. In 2023, 46% of companies functioned on-site — a 50% increase from the previous year. Moving back into the office is among the top workplace trends for 2025, and many companies may transition away from hybrid models in favor of in-person innovation. However, remote options remain desirable for many employees. This article explains the benefits of both models and how to adapt to an in-person work environment.
Table of Contents
A quarter of United States companies will require their employees to work at the office more often in 2025. Organizations have many reasons for making this decision. Among companies planning to increase in-office workdays, 86% cited productivity as their primary reason. Other drivers include improving company culture, employee well-being and retention.
Building team cohesion and laying the ground for innovation are potent reasons to bring employees back into the office. Building connections and camaraderie within remote teams can be challenging, and in-office employees often display higher levels of engagement. In-person interactions foster creativity, give team members access to diverse perspectives and enhance collaboration.
Many professionals eagerly anticipate returning to the office. This work model offers significant advantages for team members.
While work-from-home models work for some people, many remote workers experience adverse mental health effects, including loneliness and isolation. In-person interactions can have positive mental health results. In addition to creating much-needed social connections, a routine can alleviate feelings of distress.
Professionals at all levels benefit from watching others perform their duties. When team members see their co-workers take risks and push boundaries, they can learn and grow in their own careers. Being in close proximity to a diverse group of skilled professionals enables passive learning, which in turn boosts creativity and innovation.
In-person interactions also enhance career growth, especially for younger employees looking to build professional networks. Being in the office increases professionals’ opportunities for on-the-job training and face time with mentors and managers in their fields. New employees can sharpen their technical skills and learn how to navigate complex organizational structures.
Working with peers in a physical setting allows professionals to build rapport and connect with one another. Over time, team relationships improve as employees learn to work together effectively. Connecting face-to-face helps professionals develop their soft skills and widen their networks.
A physical office naturally creates more opportunities for people to make connections. Working remotely often means they only interact with people in their direct teams. In contrast, being in the office helps team members connect with other teams beyond their immediate groups.
Going into the office creates a tangible separation between work and home life, and many professionals find they work better when they commute to the office daily. People who work from home sometimes find it challenging to “clock out” at the end of the day, which can lead to burnout.
People who work remotely often work longer hours with less efficiency. For example, home distractions, such as washing the dishes or collecting deliveries, can disturb people’s focus. In-office models set up a mental barrier between work and home, so employees may feel more prepared to give their all when they enter the office. A commute to the office can also be beneficial — it provides a time to connect with friends, plan the day and get into a work mindset.
Organizations often focus on creating workspaces that meet their teams’ diverse needs. The work environment plays a key role in the innovation that happens there. In addition, in-person settings foster a feeling of belonging. In-office teams can also get things done quickly because they have immediate access to their co-workers and support resources. For example, instead of waiting for a colleague to connect online, employees can walk over to the individual’s desk, eliminating the wasted time waiting for an answer. They can also enjoy fast IT support and gain access to cutting-edge technologies only available in the office.
While an in-person environment suits some roles, others remain remote. In the U.S., 27% of workers are fully hybrid, and 11% remain fully remote. Professionals in jobs that allow for hybrid or remote work often enjoy benefits like reduced stress. Organizations implementing these work models also benefit from increased productivity and access to global talent.
Just as many professionals look forward to returning to the office, others feel content in their remote or hybrid roles. The following benefits apply to remote and hybrid work models.
Remote employees can work when they feel the most productive, which gives them more flexibility to complete their work. For example, some people work better in the morning, while others feel more efficient in the afternoon. Those on a hybrid or remote schedule can choose to work at a time and place that brings out their best.
Professionals on remote teams often have the opportunity to work with people from around the world. They have access to diverse perspectives, which boosts creativity and innovation. In a hybrid model, team members can complete individual tasks at home and spend in-person time focused on collaboration.
A hybrid or remote model saves employees money by reducing the costs associated with commuting and parking. Young professionals entering the workplace for the first time can also save money on work attire. Additionally, employees may save money by eating at home rather than getting lunches with colleagues.
Many view hybrid or remote work as a threat to organizational culture. In truth, it can strengthen it. These models cut through the clutter of office interactions and make communications more meaningful. They also allow team members to be autonomous and take charge of their work.
The business landscape can change in no time. In times of unrest and uncertainty, hybrid or remote models offer a resilient and adaptable work structure. Those working in these models can adapt quickly to change and maintain efficiency in the face of external pressures.
Professionals preparing to return to an in-person model must adapt. After working in remote or hybrid models for many years, they must make adjustments to ensure minimal disruptions to their work routines. Whether returning to the office in the same position or applying for in-person roles after completing remote work, the following tips can streamline professionals’ exciting journeys to the office.
Working remotely has allowed professionals to be more flexible with their time. When they work in an office, they need to plan for additional things, like commuting and taking care of personal matters. Taking the commute into account and planning to complete personal tasks during lunch breaks can alleviate some of the stress associated with the transition.
Most work-from-home professionals have an existing remote work routine. They can ease the transition into the office by keeping their schedules as similar as possible. For example, they can check their email in the mornings as soon as they sit down at their desks. Entering the office also means a change of pace in social interactions, which can derail existing routines. Professionals should take steps to stick to their existing work patterns wherever possible.
A consistent morning routine can help employees set a positive tone for the day. They can also integrate exercise, meditation and nutritious breakfasts to energize themselves before leaving for the office.
Rushing into a new routine can cause more challenges than solutions. Bumps in the road are natural when adapting to an office routine. Professionals should expect some challenges and be kind to themselves and their co-workers during the shift. Over time, they will get used to the new routine and find new ways to stay engaged in their work.
Many professionals entering or reentering the office benefit from reaching out to colleagues they want to get to know or have not interacted with in a while. Scheduling informal meetings to build relationships can be beneficial when moving back into the office. The transition becomes easier when they have recently connected with peers, and connections make the office feel more welcoming and familiar.
Professionals benefit from setting clear daily objectives early in the transition to in-office work. Outlining the tasks they want to complete each day keeps them focused in a busier environment. Working in the office provides more opportunities to network and socialize, which they should take advantage of, provided that boundaries exist. Professionals should communicate their availability for social activities and when they need to work. They can adapt their remote working methods for a more social environment.
One of the benefits of working from home involves creating a productive and personalized space. Professionals can do the same thing in the office. For example, they can personalize their space with photos or items from their home office. Adding items from their home space can help team members get used to the new office environment. Noise-cancelling headphones can also boost focus, as they allow busy employees to focus on work without the distractions of an office.
Like remote work, office work requires clear communication and interaction to drive teams forward. Professionals should maintain clear communication in the office and check in with teammates often. They should ask for regular feedback from managers and mentors to ensure they meet their performance and productivity goals.
Professionals with specific workplace needs should communicate them to the human resources department or management. For example, if they need a quieter workplace or accommodations for health concerns, many organizations will try to accommodate them.
Professionals should use their time in the office to focus on professional and personal development. They can attend workshops, training sessions and networking events to enhance their skills. Over time, these activities will build their knowledge and engagement. Professionals who invest in their growth often experience greater job satisfaction and career advancement.
Professionals often take longer breaks when working from home, which gives them time to work through problems that do not have immediate solutions. Being in the office may lead employees to put more pressure on themselves to push through, even when their minds and bodies would benefit from a break. Professionals can enjoy immense benefits from getting up, walking around and separating themselves from the challenge so they can approach it with a fresh mind.
Feedback is essential during any transition. Professionals should ask their managers and peers about their performance in an office setting. Being open to feedback and willing to adjust their processes can make the transition easier as they learn to adapt to the new environment.
Camaraderie and collaboration play a key role in in-office work. Participating in office events can strengthen team dynamics and build trust, inevitably leading to innovation. It enhances team members’ overall office experience and increases motivation.
While many professionals can expect some challenges during the transition, focusing on the benefits offers an excellent way to stay engaged, motivated and productive. Working in an office provides an opportunity to realize life’s potential. Professionals in a positive, solution-driven work setting will thrive when collaborating with successful peers. In a diverse and fearless team, they can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through collaboration and innovation.
At Danaher, we proudly offer remote and in-person roles. When you join us, you join a team dedicated to improving the future of human health. Our commitment to positively impacting quality of life globally makes our work significant — we’re making a tangible difference.
Becoming part of our culture of continuous improvement means contributing to a healthier tomorrow through advancements in our three areas of expertise — life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology. You can help our passionate team create a measurable impact and build a better tomorrow. Consider these innovations and achievements:
The Danaher Talent Community empowers new graduates and seasoned professionals to discover opportunities to advance their careers and achieve more. No matter your experience, our team dedicates itself to connecting you with a role where you can make a profound impact in the world. Collaborate with leading minds in the industry and make strides toward a rewarding and groundbreaking career.
When you’re applying for a role at Danaher, we prioritize a positive candidate experience at every step, from getting to know us to preparing for an interview with our team.
You can anticipate informative, engaging interviews — we want to learn about you and share more about the Danaher culture of continuous improvement. Candidates get clear information about when, where and how we conduct these conversations. Our thorough and thoughtful process ensures we foster a mutually beneficial relationship. We want to help you shine in your role.
We’re a leading science and technology company fueled by innovation and the excellence of high performers. We’ll support you in solving complex challenges and driving breakthroughs to make the world a better place. By joining Danaher, you can accelerate your potential and take your career to new heights.
At Danaher, you’ll work alongside industry professionals invested in supporting your career growth. As a global leader in biotechnology, diagnostics and life sciences, we believe in igniting our team’s passion for fearless discovery. When you work with us, you can see the difference you make in people’s lives. We will give you the tools to thrive in your career as you discover solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. Innovate at the speed of life with Danaher. Browse our job openings today!