By Ringside Talent
April 28, 2025
The remote work revolution may have changed the talent landscape forever but not every company is waving the white flag on in-office work.
In fact, some tech companies are standing by their return-to-office (RTO) policies, even if it means turning away some of the most in-demand candidates. Their rationale? Face-to-face collaboration, faster innovation, and stronger team culture are still worth fighting for – even if remote roles are dominating job boards.
The Remote Work Reality: What the Data Says
Let’s be honest: remote work isn’t a passing phase. It’s the new baseline for many candidates—especially in tech.
- Remote roles in tech receive 2.5x more applications than in-office jobs, according to LinkedIn Workforce Insights.
- 77% of job seekers rank remote or hybrid flexibility as a top priority according to Gartner.
- As of Q1 2025, 29% of tech roles are fully remote and 43% are hybrid, according to CompTIA.
- That leaves just 28% of roles fully in-office and yet, some companies are doubling down.
Why Some Companies Say “In-Office or Bust”
Companies like Meta, Amazon, and Oracle aren’t just mandating in-office time for show. They believe the long-term gains outweigh the short-term hiring challenges.
Meta’s leadership, for example, claims engineers who joined in person ramped up faster and performed better. Amazon has pointed to improved team cohesion and on-the-spot problem-solving as key drivers behind their RTO push.
The underlying message? Yes, we may lose some candidates but we believe our in-office culture is part of our competitive advantage.
Acknowledging the Tradeoff
Many leaders admit that this stance narrows their candidate pool. In a remote-friendly industry, top tech talent has options—and they’re not afraid to walk away from companies that don’t align with their lifestyle or values.
That’s not to say remote work is the enemy. It’s about choosing what works best for your company and finding the right people who align with that model.
Ringside Helps Great Companies Find Great People
Whether your company is fully remote, proudly hybrid, or firmly in-office, Ringside helps you win the talent war on your terms.
We understand that talent doesn’t just come in one format. That’s why we tailor our search strategy to your team’s unique culture, goals, and work model helping you connect with professionals who won’t just accept your offer but will thrive in your environment.
So if you’re worried about losing great candidates because of your workplace policy, don’t be. The right people are out there—you just need the right partner to help you find them.
Ready to build your dream team—on-site or online?
Let’s talk.