When COVID-19 struck, millions quickly adapted to remote work, ditching the commute for home offices and discovering perks like flexibility, time saved and a better work-life balance.

Many companies responded by offering hybrid models that blend in-office and remote work. While some have embraced this new way of working, others are doubling down on stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies. Companies like Amazon and Dell are making headlines by mandating employees return to the office three to five days a week.

But Dave Cairns, a "Future of Work" strategist at workplace software company Kadence, said most companies are taking another approach.

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"According to a Flex Index study, 79% of tech companies in North America allow employees to decide when they work in the office (56%) or are fully remote (23%), 18% have a ‘structured’ hybrid mandate (specific days are mandated) and only 3% are fully in-office," Cairns said.

Proponents of RTO policies, however, cite collaboration, productivity and company culture as their drivers. Companies like Amazon and Dell argue in-person interaction is critical to productive teamwork.

Others, like Spotify, prove building strong, effective teams without a physical office is possible. Spotify has fully embraced remote work as part of its........

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