The real drivers of RTO in 2025—not all workplaces are created equal

More people are heading back to the office, but the way they’re showing up looks a little different than it used to.

After years of fluctuating attendance, new Envoy data shows that more employees are returning to physical workplaces in 2025. This return to office—RTO, as it’s often called—looks different depending on who you ask.

It’s a notable shift that suggests companies and employees are finding more value in in-person time, or at least more reasons to badge in.

But dig into the data, and the picture gets more interesting.

‍Big companies are driving the RTO comeback

The strongest growth in office attendance came from the largest employers. Companies with more than 5,000 employees saw a 35.26% jump in workplace entries compared to 2024. That’s more than double the national average.

• 1,500 to 4,999 employees: 7.15% increase
• 250 to 1,499 employees: 16.36% increase
• 50 to 249 employees: 17.27% increase
• Fewer than 50 employees: 9.19% increase

The data suggests the biggest companies are taking a strategic approach to RTO—with formal hybrid schedules, structured expectations, and maybe even a playbook. Meanwhile, smaller companies continue to prioritize flexibility.

Tech and consumer brands are leading RTO‍

Attendance trends also vary by industry. The tech sector saw the most significant increase, with a 24.2% YoY rise in office traffic. Not far behind:

• Food & Beverage + Consumer Goods: 23.55% increase
• Professional Services: 18.86% increase
• Manufacturing: 18.69% increase

For industries that thrive on collaboration, creativity and iteration, the office is proving to be more than just a place to work. It’s becoming a strategic asset again.

A rebalancing, not a return

‍While Fridays may still be quiet (as we noted in our previous blog), the broader trend points toward a more intentional use of office space. Instead of enforcing a strict M-F schedule, employers are allowing teams to come in when it matters; i.e for big brainstorms, client meetings, or just to grab lunch together.

We’ll be watching how these trends play out through the rest of 2025. Are these attendance gains sustainable, or seasonal? And how will they influence space planning, team dynamics and the future of hybrid work?

Stay tuned as we continue to decode the new rhythms of the modern workplace. We’ll keep watching the trends as they unfold. Curious how other companies are handling RTO? Explore our guide to successful RTO planning using data. 

—

This post is part of our Data Snack Series. Check out past blogs and our 2025 State of work report for more workplace insights.