In 2025, the world of work is still under the influence of transformations triggered by the pandemic, with a delicate balance between office work and remote work. However, as we approach 2026, trends indicate a significant shift in this balance. According to recent surveys, such as the one conducted by KPMG, 83% of global CEOs anticipate a return to full-time office work in the next three years, which would mean the end of the hybrid model as we know it. This prediction marks an increase from 64% in 2023, reflecting growing pressure from business leaders to bring employees back to physical spaces. But will hybrid work disappear completely? This article explores these trends argumentatively, based on data and opinions from credible sources, to understand how the dynamic between office and remote will change in 2026.

The Evolution of Hybrid Work: From Flexibility to Increased Control

Hybrid work, defined as a combination of office days and remote days, has become the norm in many companies after 2020. In 2025, approximately 60% of office capacity in major American cities is utilized compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to data from Kastle Systems and Avison Young. However, experts like economist Nick Bloom from Stanford predict that, in the long term, hybrid work will represent 50% of jobs, with 40% full-time in the office and only 10% fully remote. This balance is changing rapidly, influenced by economic and technological factors.

A key argument in favor of this change is employers' desire to increase collaboration and productivity. Major companies have already implemented full-time office attendance mandates, arguing that face-to-face interactions stimulate innovation and organizational culture. On the other hand, employees resist, preferring flexibility to balance personal and professional life. A recent survey shows that 34% of employees must be present in the office four days a week, up from 23% in 2023, suggesting a "hybrid creep", a gradual extension of mandatory office days. This trend argues that the balance is tilting toward the office, but not without resistance, as flexibility remains a key factor in talent retention.

Predictions for 2026: Adapted Hybrid Models and Emerging Technologies

For 2026, trends indicate an evolution of hybrid work toward more structured models that retain elements of flexibility but increase employer control. Among the six main trends in flexible work arrangements is the implementation of a hybrid model, which combines remote and office to improve retention and recruitment. For example, the "freeform hybrid" model allows employees to choose office days, while "anchor days" designate specific days for mandatory presence, promoting team unity.

Other trends include the compressed week (e.g., 4 workdays), flextime (flexible hours), reduced hours or part-time, sabbaticals, and prioritizing employee wellness. These models argue in favor of a hybrid work that does not disappear but adapts. According to forecasts, hybrid work will remain relevant, integrating mixed workforces, full-time employees, freelancers, and contingents, as some companies do. Technologies such as AI and virtual reality will play an essential role, enabling immersive collaborations in virtual environments and optimizing workflows.

An argument against the complete disappearance of hybrid is its impact on sustainability: remote work reduces commuting emissions and encourages virtual meetings, aligning with responsible HR trends. However, 92% of CEOs plan to increase the number of employees in the next three years, which could impose office norms for newcomers. Generational differences are evident: 87% of CEOs aged 60-69 expect the end of hybrid, compared to 75% of those aged 40-49.

Impact on Employees and Employers: Opportunities and Challenges

For employees, the shift in balance toward more office time may mean losing flexibility, but also new opportunities. Those who search for a job in 2026 will prioritize companies with clear hybrid policies, checking online reviews to assess organizational culture. Job platforms will encourage users to leave a review about the employer, providing transparency and helping with informed decisions. Also, updating the CV to highlight skills in hybrid environments, such as adaptability to AI and virtual collaboration, will become essential.

Employers, on the other hand, invest in flexible infrastructure to attract global talent, adopting bold policies that measure performance based on output, not presence. This argues that the balance is shifting toward a "bold" hybrid, where mutual leadership and burnout prevention become priorities. However, challenges include managing diverse teams and ensuring inclusion, especially in the context of AI transforming traditional roles into hybrid ones.

Conclusion: A Balance in Transition

In 2026, hybrid work will not disappear, but the balance between office and remote will tilt toward increased physical presence, influenced by CEOs' expectations and the need for collaboration. However, flexibility will persist through adapted models, advanced technologies, and a focus on wellness, arguing that the future of work is hybrid, but more structured. Companies that ignore employees' preferences risk losing talent, while those that adopt a fair balance will thrive. As we prepare for these changes, it is essential to monitor trends and adapt strategies, whether you're an employee who searches for a job or an employer who receives feedback through reviews left by former collaborators.