The shift to remote working during the pandemic was one of the most significant workplace transformations in recent history. It promised flexibility, cost savings, and a new kind of work-life balance. However, in 2025, we’re seeing a noticeable return to office-based work. But why the change—and what does it mean for recruitment in industries like logistics, supply chain, freight, and travel?
At Lee Botti & Associates, we’ve witnessed this transition firsthand through both our clients’ hiring requirements and job seekers’ expectations. Understanding the ‘why’ behind this movement is critical to positioning your business—or your career—for success.
A global trend with local Impacts
Globally, the appetite for remote work is shrinking. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, job postings advertising remote work dropped from 18% in early 2022 to just 8% at the end of 2024. In South Africa, similar trends are emerging. CareerJunction’s 2024 employment insights report found a 14% year-on-year decrease in remote/hybrid roles advertised between 2023 and 2024.
The movement is clear: while flexible working isn’t disappearing altogether, full-time remote work is no longer the default.
Why the shift back to the Office?
1. Collaboration and innovation thrive in-person
Despite the convenience of working from home, companies are discovering that innovation and collaboration are more effective in person. A survey by Microsoft found that 85% of leaders struggle with the idea that remote work makes it harder to maintain company culture and mentor junior employees. Spontaneous problem-solving, creative brainstorming, and mentorship all thrive when teams are co-located. In industries like logistics and travel, where timing, operations, and coordination are crucial, having employees physically present enhances performance.
2. Employee productivity and accountability
While many employees report being more productive at home, some employers have seen the opposite. According to a 2024 report by Robert Half, 36% of companies that enforced a return-to-office mandate reported improved employee focus and faster decision-making processes. For roles requiring team synergy, rapid response times, or access to secure systems, the office environment often boosts accountability and clarity.
3. Cultural alignment and belonging
Company culture isn’t just about values written on a wall—it’s experienced through daily interactions. Leaders across industries, from finance to freight forwarding, are finding it harder to maintain culture remotely. Being in-office allows for stronger relationship-building, clearer communication, and a deeper sense of purpose among teams.
What this means for Recruitment
This return-to-office trend is reshaping how companies attract, hire, and retain talent. Here’s what employers and job seekers should consider:
For Employers:
- Be clear on your work policy: Ambiguity around remote or in-office expectations is a dealbreaker for many candidates. Define your model—whether it’s full-time in-office, hybrid, or flexible—and communicate it transparently in job ads and interviews.
- Emphasize the benefits of office-based work: Highlight perks like team collaboration, on-site training, structured growth paths, and access to leadership. These factors appeal especially to younger professionals seeking mentorship and experience.
- Rethink office design: If you’re asking employees to return, ensure the space supports productivity, comfort, and collaboration. Breakout spaces, quiet pods, and tech-enabled boardrooms all add value.
For Job Seekers:
- Adaptability is key: In industries like logistics, import/export, and travel, many roles require physical presence. Being open to in-office roles can unlock better opportunities and career advancement.
- Consider the culture: Office-based environments can provide invaluable mentorship, upskilling, and networking opportunities—particularly important for early- to mid-career professionals.
- Know what you want: While some candidates thrive in remote roles, others perform best in a structured environment. At Lee Botti & Associates, we work closely with job seekers to find roles that align with both their lifestyle and career goals.
The South African Perspective
In South Africa, the return to the office has additional drivers:
- Load Shedding & Connectivity: Unreliable power and internet infrastructure make remote work impractical for many employees.
- Team-Centric Industries: Logistics and supply chain operations require real-time problem-solving, which is more seamless in person.
- Changing candidate expectations: Interestingly, we’re seeing more candidates seeking routine, stability, and in-person mentorship—especially younger talent looking to fast-track their careers.
As a specialist recruitment agency with decades of experience in the supply chain, freight, and travel industries, we understand that workplace trends directly impact hiring strategies. Whether you’re navigating a return-to-office policy or looking for your next in-office role, we’re here to help. We don’t just fill vacancies—we build connections between employers and professionals who are aligned in work values, growth potential, and operational goals.
The shift back to the office isn’t just a reaction to the pandemic’s end—it’s a strategic move by companies prioritising innovation, culture, and productivity. For job seekers and employers alike, understanding this shift is essential for making informed decisions in 2025 and beyond.
If you’re ready to find your next great hire—or your next great job—connect with Lee Botti & Associates today. We’re ready to help you navigate this changing landscape.
SHARE THIS PAGE:
