Is Remote Work Slowing Down? What Big Tech’s Office Push Means for Coworking

Overview: Big Tech’s Return-to-Office Mandate

Remote work exploded post‑pandemic — but 2025 is bringing a shift. Major tech companies are now actively pulling employees back into the office. At the same time, millions still favor flexibility.

This shift matters deeply to coworking providers. As giants like Google and Amazon pivot, coworking spaces have an opportunity — if they understand what’s changing, that is.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Is remote work really slowing down?
• What Big Tech’s return‑to‑office (RTO) push means for coworking demand
• How coworking operators can adapt to the new blended‑work era
• Forecasts & expert insights to watch

1. Is Remote Work Actually Slowing Down? The Data Says…

Hybrid and Remote Work Still Growing

• According to Robert Half, hybrid job postings grew from 9% in early 2023 to nearly 24% in Q1 2025, while fully remote postings increased from 10% to 13%, then plateaued.
• The Neat report shows 22% of the U.S. workforce is remote in 2025, and 83% globally favor hybrid arrangements.
• Meanwhile, one survey predicts that 65% of workers expect remote work to grow in the next five years.

Takeaway: Remote work isn’t disappearing. It’s stabilizing into hybrid and digital-first models.

Yet Big Tech is Pressing for a Return to Offices

• A first-quarter study found that about 48% of Fortune 500 companies now require in-office attendance — up from 13% a year earlier.
• Google has moved select teams to a three‑days/week in-office model, offering relocation support within 80 km of an office.
• Dell’s five‑day RTO led to sharply decreased internal satisfaction, and Amazon’s mandates prompted half the staff to consider quitting.

This tilt may reflect lease obligations or leadership bias, rather than productivity data. In fact, a GAO report found strict RTO policies often reduce employee retention and don’t significantly boost output.

Still, this movement has earned attention — especially in the world’s largest tech companies.

2. How is That Leadership Shift Impacting Coworking Demand?

RTO Doesn’t Mean Desks Are Back—It Means Hybrid Balance is Key

Coworking spaces are stepping in as flexible supplements to big corporate offices.

At companies requiring 3 office days/week, employees still demand alternatives:

• Somewhere to work on remote days
• A nearby professional environment instead of home distractions
• A zone separate from commuting-heavy main offices

The Resilience of Smaller Firms & Hybrid Workers

• Smaller startups and creatives continue to prioritize flexibility, allowing them to attract talent despite Big Tech’s rigid mandates.
• Many workers would take an 8% pay cut to maintain flexible work access—and coworking spaces often fill that bilateral gap.

Coworking is Growing, Not Shrinking

• Even with WeWork’s decline, the broader coworking industry is rebounding with agile, demand-driven models in 2025.
• GCUC notes the sector is entering a renaissance, with Asia, Europe, and key cities continuing to expand coworking in flexible, boutique formats.

In short: Big Tech’s RTO isn’t ending coworking—it’s likely creating a new role for it.

3. What This Means for Coworking Spaces

A. Target Hybrid Workers, Not Just Freelancers

Focus marketing on remote‑first employees whose companies require occasional in-office days—or who seek professional environments when not commuting.

B. Offer Flexible Plans That Reflect 2025 Work Schedules

• Support part-time (2–3 day) memberships
• Provide hot desks, weekend passes, or per-hour access
• Bundle discounts for corporate clients whose staff use coworking mid-week

C. Build Environment for Focused Days

Hybrid workers might treat coworking like their “office at home” alternative—requiring:

• Private or semi-private focus pods
• Meeting rooms for Zoom calls or collaboration
• Consistent internet, ergonomic setups, and comfort amenities

D. Differentiate from Corporate Offices

Coworking thrives on community, design, and hospitality—areas corporate HQs rarely match. Highlight unique themes, events, networking, and timely hospitality.

E. Lean into Tech & AI Adoption

With 78% of companies using AI tools by 2025, coworking must integrate digital-first experiences, like:

• Smart booking apps
• AI-subscription invoicing
• Virtual networking events
• Hybrid meeting technologies

4. The Pros & Cons for Coworking Operators

Opportunities

• Broader customer pool: hybrid corporate staff, digital nomads, freelancers
• More predictable weekday traffic from office-workers
• Higher optionality value vs. rigid office leases

Challenges

• Ups and downs depending on corporate policies—RTO changes could shift demand
• Greater expectation for professional-level infrastructure
• Competition from corporations offering perks or assigned satellite offices

Operators who stay nimble, customer-aware, and infrastructure-forward will win in 2025.

5. Expert Insights & Data at a Glance

Insight

Source

14% higher turnover rates at companies with strict RTO mandates

S&P 500 study, University of Pittsburgh

65% forecast increase in remote work over next 5 years

WeWorkRemotely survey

48% would take pay cut to retain remote flexibility

Hybrid worker survey

Only 13% fully onsite roles globally in 2025, 24% hybrid

Robert Half data

8 in 10 companies lost talent due to RTO

ResumeBuilder report

6. Preparing for the Future: Key Strategies for Coworking Success

Position as Hybrid Hub

Emphasize flexibility, scalability, and trust-based access—especially to remote professionals from larger firms.

Flexible Pricing & Access Models

Consider:

• “Float” passes usable across networked locations
• Hybrid employee corporate partnerships
• Short-term onboarding bundles

Professional Infrastructure

Ensure:

• Fast, reliable internet
• Soundproof booths and meeting rooms
• Ergonomic high-quality furniture
• Events that feel inclusive and dynamic

Community & Tech Features

• Online member platforms for connections
• AI tools to suggest upgrades, packages, or extensions
• Dedicated hybrid coworking events or office days

Adapt Quick as Big Tech Policies Shift

RTO mandates will fluctuate. Be ready with dynamic marketing offers: “Your HQ when HQ demands presence.”

Conclusion: Remote Work isn’t Dying, it’s Merely Evolving

At first glance, Big Tech’s return‑to‑office push may suggest an end to remote work—but deeper data tells a different story. Hybrid and remote remain central to the future of work. For coworking operators, this isn't a retreat—it's a chance to redefine relevance.

Coworking spaces now stand at the intersection of three powerful trends in 2025:

1. Demand for flexibility and hybrid schedules.
2. Talent seeking professional environments when not on-site.
3. Desire for community, design, and choice beyond corporate campuses.

By positioning thoughtfully, investing in infrastructure, and staying flexible, coworking operators can not only ride this trend—they can lead it.